A pesto-like dressing made from walnuts, garlic, and plenty of fragrant basil gives fresh, tender green beans a vibrant flavor. This simple, satisfying salad is delicious alongside grilled burgers, roasted chicken, or pan-seared fish.
For a nuttier flavor, replace 1 tablespoon of the olive oil with walnut oil.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4 to 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until fragrant and slightly darker, 7 to 8 minutes. Set the nuts aside to cool.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous sprinkling of salt, then the green beans, and boil until they are just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain the beans in a colander, and shock in ice water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3
Combine the walnuts, garlic, basil, mustard, vinegar, and honey in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Purée the ingredients until a rough paste forms. With the processor running, add the olive oil in a slow stream until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Step 4
Place the beans and the dressing in a large bowl, and toss until combined. Add the tomatoes and onion and toss again. Taste the salad, and season with additional salt and freshly ground pepper, as desired. Serve immediately, or cover with plastic and refrigerate until needed.
