Ottolenghi Green Bean Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Ottolenghi Green Bean Salad: Prepare to be amazed by a vibrant and flavorful side dish that will redefine your perception of green beans! Forget everything you thought you knew about this humble vegetable, because this recipe transforms it into a culinary masterpiece. I’m going to show you how to create a salad that’s bursting with fresh herbs, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing, all inspired by the culinary genius of Yotam Ottolenghi.

Ottolenghi’s influence on modern cuisine is undeniable. He’s known for his innovative use of vegetables, his bold flavor combinations, and his ability to elevate simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. This Ottolenghi Green Bean Salad is a perfect example of his signature style. It’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce and a testament to the power of simple, yet impactful, cooking techniques.

People adore this salad for its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The green beans are blanched to perfection, retaining their crispness while still being tender. The addition of toasted nuts provides a satisfying crunch, while the fresh herbs add a burst of aromatic freshness. And the tangy dressing ties everything together, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying, making it perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a dinner party, or even a potluck contribution. Trust me, once you try this salad, it will become a staple in your repertoire!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Green Beans:
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Dressing:
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon water, plus more as needed
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Toppings:
• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

Preparing the Green Beans

1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Don’t overcook them, we want them to retain some bite!
2. Shock in Ice Water: Immediately drain the green beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps them maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Leave them in the ice water for a few minutes until completely cooled.
3. Dry the Green Beans: Drain the green beans well and pat them dry with paper towels. It’s important to remove as much excess water as possible so they roast properly and don’t steam in the oven.
4. Roast the Green Beans: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the dried green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded, as this will cause them to steam instead of roast. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until they are slightly tender and have a few browned spots. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them nicely roasted, but not burnt.

Making the Tahini Dressing

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Adjust the Consistency: The dressing should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Tahini can vary in thickness, so you might need to adjust the amount of water accordingly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more lemon juice for tanginess or a pinch more salt to bring out the flavors.

Assembling the Salad

1. Arrange the Green Beans: Transfer the roasted green beans to a serving platter or bowl.
2. Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle the tahini dressing evenly over the green beans. Don’t drown them, you want just enough to coat them lightly.
3. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh dill, and sesame seeds over the green beans. If you’re using the red chili, scatter the thinly sliced pieces on top as well.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. The green beans are best when they are still slightly warm and the toppings are fresh and crisp.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this salad your own:

• Type of Green Beans: While this recipe calls for regular green beans, you can also use haricots verts (French green beans), which are thinner and more delicate. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. They will likely need less time to blanch and roast.
• Roasting Alternatives: If you don’t want to roast the green beans, you can also grill them for a smoky flavor. Toss them with olive oil and grill them over medium heat for a few minutes per side, until they are slightly charred and tender-crisp.
• Nut Variations: Feel free to substitute the slivered almonds with other nuts, such as toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or pistachios. Each type of nut will add a different flavor and texture to the salad.
• Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Herb Variations: Dill is a classic pairing with green beans and feta, but you can also use other fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, or chives.
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or use a spicier chili pepper for the topping.
• Make it Vegan: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative.
• Add Some Crunch: For added crunch, consider adding some toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried shallots to the toppings.
• Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the dressing for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Garlic: If you are not a fan of raw garlic, you can roast the garlic clove along with the green beans for a milder flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the green beans and the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the salad just before serving. This is a great way to save time when you’re entertaining.
• Serving Suggestions: This green bean salad is a delicious side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It’s also a great addition to a vegetarian meal. You can also serve it as a light lunch or appetizer.
• Tahini Quality: The quality of your tahini will greatly affect the flavor of the dressing. Look for tahini that is made from hulled sesame seeds and has a smooth, creamy texture. Avoid tahini that is bitter or grainy.
• Lemon Juice Freshness: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can have a metallic taste.
• Toasting the Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden brown. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Salt and Pepper: Don’t be afraid to season the green beans and the dressing generously with salt and pepper. Salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients, and pepper adds a touch of spice.
• Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: The key to a great green bean salad is to avoid overcooking the green beans. They should be crisp-tender, not mushy.

Enjoy your delicious Ottolenghi-inspired green bean salad!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavor and texture that will elevate any meal. The Ottolenghi Green Bean Salad is a must-try because it transforms humble green beans into something truly extraordinary. The combination of the crisp-tender beans, the tangy dressing, the crunchy almonds, and the salty feta creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds singing. It’s a dish that’s both sophisticated and surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant dinner parties.

Why is this Ottolenghi Green Bean Salad a game-changer? It’s all about the balance. The blanching technique ensures the green beans retain their bright color and satisfying crunch, while the dressing, a masterful blend of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, provides the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the feta and the nutty almonds. It’s a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, making it a welcome addition to any table.

But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Protein Powerhouse: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
* Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing will add a delightful kick.
* Herb Garden Delight: Experiment with different fresh herbs like mint, dill, or parsley for a unique flavor profile.
* Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or crumbled ricotta salata.
* Nutty Alternatives: Substitute the almonds with toasted walnuts, pecans, or pistachios.
* Vegan Option: Simply omit the feta cheese and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add some toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
* Grain Bowl Addition: This salad is fantastic served over quinoa, farro, or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.
* Potluck Perfect: This salad travels well, making it an ideal dish to bring to potlucks and gatherings. Just toss everything together right before serving to keep the green beans crisp.

I truly believe that once you try this Ottolenghi Green Bean Salad, it will become a staple in your repertoire. It’s a dish that’s both impressive and approachable, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious and healthy meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And now, the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor combination? I’m eager to hear your thoughts and see your creations. Don’t be shy – let’s build a community of green bean enthusiasts! Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every bite of this incredible salad. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I can’t wait to see what you create!