Delicious Lebanese Green Bean Salad Recipe
Are you looking for a refreshing and tasty salad to add to your menu? Look no further than this Lebanese Green Bean Salad Recipe. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish features fresh green beans tossed in a tangy dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic with hints of parsley and red onion.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it is also incredibly healthy. Green beans are packed with vitamins and nutrients that can boost your immune system and promote overall wellness. The simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh garlic is a healthier alternative to heavy sauces or dressings found in other salads.
But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this recipe – the flavors are anything but boring. With a perfect balance of acidity from the lemon juice and savory notes from the garlic, this salad will be sure to satisfy your taste buds.
So why not add some variety to your daily salads by trying out this Lebanese Green Bean Salad Recipe? In just a few easy steps, you can have a delicious and nutritious dish that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Do you want to impress your friends and family with a unique and flavorful dish? Look no further than this Lebanese Green Bean Salad recipe.
Not only is it packed with fresh green beans and chopped parsley, but it also features a tangy dressing made with fresh lemon juice and garlic cloves. The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing and vibrant flavor that will leave your taste buds tingling for more.
But that’s not all. This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a stand-alone main course or as a side dish to accompany any meal. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or even as a healthy lunch option at work.
Plus, with its Middle Eastern flair, this dish offers an exciting alternative to traditional salads. Impress your guests with the exotic flavors of Loubya Lebanese and bi zeit Middle Eastern green bean stew in your salad.
Finally, this recipe is straightforward and easy to prepare. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll have no problem whipping up this delicious salad in no time.
So why settle for bland and uninspiring salads when you can spruce up your mealtime routine with this flavorful Lebanese Green Bean Salad? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
To create this traditional Lebanese green bean salad, you’ll need to gather some fresh produce that will truly uplift the flavors of this dish. Make sure to get your hands on the freshest green beans possible with trimmed ends and washed properly. You will also need some red onion chopped finely and rinsed, some garlic cloves minced thoroughly, and fresh parsley finely chopped. For the dressing, get ready with a quarter cup of freshly-squeezed lemon juice, half cup of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Adding that extra bit of authenticity to your Lebanese green bean salad recipe would require using some middle eastern brands such as “Bi Zeit” for the olive oil or even “Tala Soubra” for an additional kick of flavor.
Whether you’re serving this at home during family gatherings or taking it to a potluck party, trust me when I say that quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving that distinct Lebanese flavor profile.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to dive into the recipe itself. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a delicious Lebanese Green Bean Salad in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, washed and ends trimmed
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 cups chopped parsley
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
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First, add the green beans to a pot of boiling water and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender but still have a bit of bite to them. Drain them and shock them with cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.
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While the green beans are boiling, sauté the finely chopped red onion in some olive oil until it’s soft and translucent. Then add in the sliced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled green beans with the sautéed onions and garlic. Add in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. If you prefer a bit more acidity, add some more lemon juice. If you like your salads with more depth of flavor, sprinkle in more salt and pepper.
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Your Lebanese Green Bean Salad is now ready to serve! Garnish with some extra parsley or even some kale chips for a little bit of crunch.
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful salad that is sure to impress everyone at your next potluck or dinner party!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to take into consideration. For example, if you don’t have access to fresh green beans, you can use frozen green beans. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the salad.
If you’re not a fan of red onions, try using shallots instead. They will give the dish a milder onion flavor without being overpowering. And if parsley isn’t your thing, you can use fresh cilantro instead for an added kick of flavor.
For those who want some extra protein, you can add some cooked chicken breast or boiled eggs to the salad. This makes it a complete meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
If you want to give the salad a Middle Eastern twist, you can try using the Lebanese green bean variety known as “Loubya” instead. This type of bean is slightly thinner than regular green beans and has a more tender texture. You can also add some tomato sauce and beef or lamb to create a deliciously warm and hearty Fasolia recipe.
And for those looking for a low-carb option, skip the beans altogether and add some kale chips or roasted cauliflower instead. This will still give you the satisfying crunch that comes with a good salad while keeping things low-carb and keto-friendly.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to play around with different flavors and techniques until you find your perfect Lebanese green bean salad recipe!
Serving and Pairing
As I often recommend, some dishes are meant to be enjoyed alone while others simply shine when paired with the right sides. And for this Lebanese Green Bean Salad recipe, there are plenty of options that will make it an even more delightful feast.
Since this salad has a light and refreshing flavor bursting with juicy and herbaceous notes, it makes for a perfect side dish for savory food courses such as grilled meats, roasted chicken or fish. The zesty lemony dressing mixed with the bold spices of garlic and onion will bring out the natural flavors of almost any meat dish, making it a particularly great choice for those who love Middle Eastern cuisine.
But just because it pairs well with savory dishes doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this salad on its own. In fact, this Lebanese Green Bean Salad is perfect as a main course too. You can have it for lunch paired with toasted pita bread or even grilled halloumi cheese. It’s a refreshing alternative to heavy carb-loaded meals that still leaves you satisfied.
For maximum enjoyment, serve this salad chilled or at room temperature to bring out its fresh flavors to their fullest. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and some extra virgin olive oil drizzle to add contrast and more depth of flavor.
So let your creativity run wild when pairing Lebanese Green Bean Salad with other side dishes or main courses. You never know what delicious combinations you might discover!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Lebanese Green Bean salad is a perfect dish for those who want to stay prepared for their meals in advance. It can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you prefer to make this dish fresh, but want to save yourself some prep time, you can blanch the green beans and prepare the rest of the ingredients ahead of time. Store everything separately, and assemble the salad right before serving.
When reheating this dish, do not microwave it as it will overcook the green beans and make them mushy. Instead, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and stir-fry the mixture for few minutes until heated through.
One thing to keep in mind while storing and reheating this salad is that the garlic flavor may become stronger over time. To prevent this from happening, reduce the amount of garlic if you plan on storing or reheating this dish.
Overall, this dish is perfect for meal prep whether you prefer to make it ahead or just save some prep time. Regardless of how you store or reheat it, this Lebanese Green Bean salad will always taste amazing with its fresh flavors and bright colors on your table.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have learned the recipe, let’s discuss some helpful tips that will ensure the perfect salad every time.
Firstly, I recommend blanching the green beans for no longer than five minutes. This will keep them crisp and help retain their bright green color. Overcooking them will not only cause the beans to lose their crunch but also make them appear dull in color.
Secondly, make sure to rinse the green beans under cold water immediately once they are done cooking. This will prevent them from continuing to cook and becoming mushy.
When making the dressing, it is crucial to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. The combination of these two ingredients is what gives this Lebanese green bean salad its unique flavor profile.
I also suggest allowing the salad to marinate for at least thirty minutes before serving so that the flavors can properly meld together. This allows the dressing to penetrate and season every aspect of the dish evenly.
Additionally, take care when chopping your onions and garlic, as this can significantly impact the final taste of your dish. Finely chop both ingredients to ensure that they blend perfectly into the dressing without any overpowering flavors.
Finally, while tempting, do not add too much salt or pepper to your recipe, as it can quickly become overpowering and ruin the balance between all of the other ingredients.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a stunning Lebanese green bean salad that is sure to impress everyone at your table!
Bottom Line
your next meal with a bang by making this Lebanese Green Bean Salad Recipe. This dish is not only easy to make, but also provides an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
As I have shared, this salad contains the perfect combination of fresh green beans, red onion, parsley, and garlic all mixed with a delightful olive oil and fresh lemon juice dressing. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it be a quick lunch for one or side dish for a big dinner party.
In addition to the amazing taste, this salad is also incredibly healthy. You can enjoy it without feeling guilty about indulging in unhealthy food. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it perfect for those who are trying to maintain a healthier diet.
All in all, the Lebanese Green Bean Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves salads that pack a flavor punch. If you’re looking to add something new to your recipe arsenal or just trying to mix up your usual go-to salads look no further than this recipe.
Lebanese Green Bean Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, washed and ends trimmed
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cut beans into or leave whole. Steam beans for about 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain well.
- Place beans in a large bowl with all remaining ingredients and toss well to combine.
- Chill at least 2 hours before serving.