Green Bean Salad With Pecans Gorgonzola Recipes

GREEN BEAN, PECAN, AND FETA SALAD

Steps:

• Trim the ends (and strings, if you like) from the green beans, then snap or cut them into thirds.
• Using a steamer basket in a pan, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until crisp-tender; plunge the cooked beans into cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain and pat dry.
• Toss together the cooked green beans, sliced onion, feta, and pecans in a large bowl; cover and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining ingredients in a non-reactive bowl to make the vinaigrette; chill for 1 hour.
• Pour the vinaigrette over bean mixture, toss, and chill an additional 1 hour; toss again just before serving.
• Makes 8 servings.
• Notes: walnuts or pine nuts can be substituted for pecans, and dill may be substituted for basil if you prefer.
• Tweaked and adapted from a recipe posted at Gail's Recipe Swap.

ROMAINE AND GORGONZOLA SALAD WITH ROASTED GARLIC DRESSING AND SPICED PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss oil with garlic in small baking dish. Cover dish tightly with foil. Bake until garlic is golden and tender, about 45 minutes. Cool. Squeeze garlic from skins. Reserve oil.
• Transfer roasted garlic to processor. Add honey, vinegar, cider and mustard and blend well. With processor running, slowly add reserved garlic oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
• Toss lettuce with 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese and enough dressing to coat. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and Spiced Pecans and serve.

GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH PECANS & GORGONZOLA

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 1-2 inches water to boil.
• Prepare a bowl with water & ice.
• Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until bright green & still crisp.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to the icewater to stop cooking.
• Once the beans are cool, place them on a flour sack towel to dry.
• In a small bowl combine mustard & vinegar. Slowly whisk in oil.
• Add salt & pepper to taste.
• In a medium bowl, combine green beans & scallions.
• Pour dressing over and stir to coat.
• Sprinkle nuts & cheese on top.
• Cover and chill for 15 minutes.
• Serve chilled.