String Bean & Arugula Salad
In this unusual pairing, the string beans and baby arugula work wonders for each other. Wilting the arugula with the hot, garlicky grilled beans is a nice trick for bringing the two together. While you can use regular arugula if you must, baby arugula is far milder in flavor, so try to find it if you can.
In this unusual pairing, the string beans and baby arugula work wonders for each other. Wilting the arugula with the hot, garlicky grilled beans is a nice trick for bringing the two together. While you can use regular arugula if you must, baby arugula is far milder in flavor, so try to find it if you can.
- Carbohydrate 7 g(2%)
- Fat 10 g(16%)
- Fiber 3 g(10%)
- Protein 2 g(4%)
- Saturated Fat 1 g(7%)
- Sodium 250 mg(10%)
- Calories 122
Step-by-step
- Heat the grill to medium-high.
- In a large bowl, toss the string beans with the olive oil and garlic.
- Let the beans rest for 10 minutes or so, then place the beans on a large square of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Fold the foil over the beans and fold down the ends of the foil twice.
- Place the foil packet on the grill, seam side up, and grill for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Let the beans cool for a few minutes, then combine them in a roomy bowl with the arugula, lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste, tossing until the arugula is wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
My Unexpectedly Delicious Weeknight Dinner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and satisfying meals can feel like an impossible task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present laundry pile. Honestly, sometimes I just crave something simple, quick, and delicious without sacrificing nutrition. That's where this String Bean & Arugula Salad comes in.
I stumbled upon this recipe while flipping through a grilling cookbook (yes, even I, a self-proclaimed grilling novice, have one!). The combination of string beans and arugula sounded unusual at first, almost too quirky. But the description – wilting the peppery arugula with the hot, garlicky grilled beans – piqued my interest. I’m always up for a bit of culinary adventure, especially when it means less time standing over a hot stove.
The beauty of this salad is its simplicity. It requires minimal prep work – a quick toss of the beans with olive oil and garlic, a brief stint on the grill, and then a gentle toss with the arugula and a touch of lemon zest. The flavors are surprisingly harmonious; the earthy beans pair perfectly with the slightly bitter arugula, and the lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness. It's a beautiful balance of textures, too – the tender beans, the peppery bite of the arugula, and that satisfying little crunch from the lemon zest.
This salad is incredibly versatile. It can be a light lunch, a side dish to a grilled protein (perfect for those summer BBQs!), or even a delightful, healthy dinner on a busy weeknight. I’ve served it to friends, and even my picky eaters have given it two thumbs up.
What I particularly appreciate about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment! Add some toasted nuts for extra crunch, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a savory kick, or even some crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist. The possibilities are endless! The key is to keep it simple. Let the fresh, high-quality ingredients shine through.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and surprisingly delicious weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends, give this String Bean & Arugula Salad a try. It’s become a regular in our meal rotation, and I know it will quickly become a favorite in yours. The best part? It’s so easy that even on my busiest days, I can whip it up without breaking a sweat!
I highly recommend using baby arugula; its milder flavor complements the beans beautifully. But if baby arugula is unavailable, regular arugula will work just fine. Just be aware that it has a more assertive, peppery taste. And don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your preference. A little more lemon zest, a pinch more salt, or a grind of fresh black pepper can make all the difference.
This isn't just a salad; it's a taste of summer simplicity, a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated, and a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unexpected flavor combinations are the most rewarding.
