Green Bean Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese

Green Bean Salad Recipe with Cranberries, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese

This salad combines the freshness of green beans with the sweet touch of cranberries, the crunchy texture of walnuts, and the intense flavor of blue cheese. Perfect for those looking for a light and gourmet option to accompany their homemade meals, bringing balance and a special touch to the table.

Preparation time

This dish is quick and simple, ideal for preparing at any time.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 4 minutes
• Total: 19 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the salad

• 500 grams of green beans, cleaned and cut
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts, toasted optional
• 2 to 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup or 50 grams of blue cheese, crumbled

For the vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon walnut vinegar (you can use vinegar of white wine or apple)
• ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

Note: If you can't find blue cheese like San Miguel Blue Cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese, feta, or Cotija, or omit it for a vegan version. For walnuts, the Nuez del Valle brand offers a good option for toasting and flavoring.

Utensils we will use

• Pot for boiling
• Strainer
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Serving dish

Preparation

1. Prepare the green beans

1. Wash and clean: Wash the green beans under the tap to remove any dirt. Dry with paper towels.
2. Trim the ends: Cut the tips off the green beans with a knife.
3. Boil: Bring water to a boil in a large pot, add salt and the green beans. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender but firm.
4. Cool: Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl with cold water or under a stream of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve their intense green color.
5. Dry: Let drain in a colander and dry with paper or a clean cloth to avoid excess moisture.

2. Prepare the vinaigrette

1. Mix ingredients: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, walnut vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the salt or vinegar if necessary, to balance the acidity and flavor.

3. Assemble the salad

1. Mix base: In a large bowl, mix the dried green beans with the sliced red onion and the vinaigrette.
2. Serve: Place the green beans on a platter or plate, arranging them in a line so they look neat and attractive.
3. Add toppings: Sprinkle the toasted chopped walnuts (optional to enhance flavor), dried cranberries, and crumbled blue cheese on top.

To finish and serve

Before serving, you can make a final adjustment to the seasoning, adding an extra touch of pepper or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. This salad can be served cold, at room temperature, or slightly warm, according to your preference. Pair it with protein like chicken, fish, or beef for a complete meal. If you want vegetarian or vegan options, you might be interested in this walnut and spinach salad, which is equally delicious and healthy.

I want to share these tips with you

• Freeze the dressing: If you want to prepare the vinaigrette in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; just mix again before using.
• Toast nuts: Toast the walnuts in a pan over low heat or in the oven to intensify their flavor and add a crunchy touch.
• Avoid overcooking the green beans: They should only be tender but firm; this ensures a pleasant texture and prevents them from losing color and flavor.
• Cut the green beans evenly: This helps them cook uniformly.
• Balanced vinaigrette: Adjust the vinegar or mustard to taste so it doesn't overpower the fresh flavors of the green beans and cranberries.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Proteins: 5 g
• Fats: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g

These values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the brands and precise quantities used.

5 keys to make it perfect

• Freshness of the green beans: Using fresh green beans guarantees flavor and crisp texture.
• Even cut: By cutting the green beans evenly, cooking will be uniform, preventing some from being hard or overcooked.
• Cooking control: Watch the time and stop cooking with cold water to maintain color and texture.
• Toast the walnuts: It gives a special flavor that complements the salad's bouquet.
• Light vinaigrette: The vinaigrette should enhance, not mask, the fresh flavors; mix and taste to achieve the right balance.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This salad is perfect for family dinners at home, especially during festive seasons like Christmas and New Year, where the aim is to offer fresh and sophisticated options that complement main dishes without being heavy. It also works very well as an appetizer for summer meals or to accompany dishes like a lobster with mac and cheese or grilled fish, providing freshness, texture, and an ideal balance.

Comparative table of similar and alternative recipes

To see how to prepare this salad step by step, this video is a practical and easy-to-follow guide, where every important detail is clearly shown so that it turns out perfect for you.

In this other recipe you will see options for salads with cheese and walnuts to inspire you for upcoming celebrations, adapting flavors to your tastes and season.