GREEN BEAN SALAD, COLORFUL

Colorful Green Bean Salad: An Explosion of Flavors and Colors

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the culinary world of healthy and colorful salads! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a colorful green bean salad, which is not only a feast for the eyes but also an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. This recipe is perfect for summer but can be enjoyed in any season, alongside a juicy grilled chicken or as a delicious appetizer.

Green beans, the main ingredient of the recipe, are rich in vitamins and minerals, being an excellent source of fiber that aids digestion. Additionally, carrots and red bell peppers add not only color but also essential nutrients. Let’s see how you can prepare this simple and quick salad!

Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g frozen green beans
- 2 medium carrots
- 100 g canned sweet corn
- 1/2 jar of red bell peppers (preferably Hame)
- 4 green onions
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 1 packet of salad seasoning (like Fuchs or similar)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt, to taste

Step 1: Preparing the green beans
Start by steaming the frozen green beans. This cooking method preserves all the nutrients and vibrant color of the beans. In a pot of boiling water, place a steamer or a sieve, covering it with a lid. Cook the green beans for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but crisp.

Step 2: Processing the vegetables
While the beans are cooking, take the carrots and peel them. Wash them well under cold running water and grate them using a large grater. They will add a pleasant texture and a sweet flavor to the salad.

For the green onions, chop them finely, including the green leaves, to give the salad a fresh aroma. Peel and finely grate the garlic, adding a hint of flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Preparing the dressing
In a small bowl, mix the salad seasoning with the olive oil, lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of water. This dressing will give the salad a fresh and balanced taste. Don’t forget to add salt to taste!

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Once the beans are ready, remove them from the steam and let them cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the green beans, grated carrots, sweet corn, diced red bell peppers, green onions, and garlic. All these ingredients will blend harmoniously, creating a colorful and appetizing salad.

Step 5: Finishing the salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the flavors. Make sure each ingredient is well coated with the dressing.

Step 6: Serving
The colorful green bean salad is now ready to serve! You can place it on a large platter or portion it into individual bowls. It is delicious both warm and cold, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken breast.

Serving suggestions and variations
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some roasted nuts or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture. You can also substitute the corn with other favorite vegetables, such as peas or zucchini. A vegan version would be to replace the chicken breast with marinated and fried tofu.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Use fresh green beans, cooking them in the same manner, and the salad will have a wonderful flavor and texture.
2. What are the nutritional benefits of this salad?
This salad is rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants, supporting the health of the immune system and skin.
3. What other recipes can it be paired with?
This salad pairs excellently with grilled meat dishes, as well as baked fish or veggie burgers. Additionally, a glass of cold lemonade or a dry white wine are ideal accompaniments.
4. What tricks can I use to keep the salad fresh longer?
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing can be kept separate until serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.

Calories and nutritional information
This salad contains approximately 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used and the added ingredients. It is an excellent choice for a balanced diet, having a low fat content and a high nutrient intake.

In conclusion, the colorful green bean salad is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for any occasion. It is not only healthy but also full of flavor and color, being an explosion of aromas on your plate. It can easily become a family favorite! I encourage you to try this recipe and bring your own variations. Cooking is an art, and every recipe can be customized according to your tastes!