Monday, November 15, 2010

Salad of Green Beans, Tomatoes, Arugula & Blue Cheese

Serves  6
  
Salad of Green Beans, Tomatoes Arugula & Blue Cheese
 
For the vinaigrette:
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 Tbl balsamic vinegar 
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1/2 small clove garlic, peeled & finely minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 
1/4 cup vegetable oil
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed
1 pound heirloom tomatoes, cored and sliced into 1-inch wedges
1/2 pound good-quality blue cheese, crumbled into large chunks
2 cups baby arugula, trimmed
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 
For the vinaigrette: Combine the mustard, vinegar, thyme, garlic, a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper.  Whisk together, and slowly pour in the olive oil, then the vegetable oil, both in a thin stream and whisking as you pour.  The dressing can be made ahead and stored about five days, refrigerated in an airtight container.
 
Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil.  (Add enough salt so that the water tastes like the ocean.)  Add the trimmed green beans and boil until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain in a colander, then immediately plunge the beans into ice water.  Allow the beans to cool in the ice water, about 1 minute, then thoroughly drain. Slice cross-wise in halves or thirds.  Reserve.
 
Combine the green beans, sliced tomatoes, blue cheese and arugula in a large mixing bowl.  Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top, just enough to evenly coat. (You definitely won’t not need to use it all – Save the rest for another salad.)  Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.  Serve immediately.

 

SERVED AT THIS DINNER PARTY

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