Green bean salad with basil-infused olive oil: the Italian summer recipe

The Art of Green Bean Salad with Basil-Pressed Olive Oil

Summer in Italy means crisp green beans, fresh herbs, and sun-kissed olive oil. To give your salad a Mediterranean identity, basil-pressed olive oil makes all the difference. You'll see, this isn't just a simple flavored oil, but an oil obtained by co-crushing fresh basil and olives as soon as they are extracted. This method provides an incomparable intensity, far from products flavored after the fact.

Discover organic basil olive oil to make a difference in your recipes.

Key Ingredients and Their Preparation

To make this salad successfully, choose extra-fresh green beans, a few cherry tomatoes, a handful of pine nuts, and especially quality basil-pressed olive oil. Here's how to proceed:

1. Trim and wash 500 g of green beans.
2. Blanch them for 8 minutes in boiling salted water, then immediately refresh them in ice water to set their color.
3. Halve about ten cherry tomatoes.
4. Toast a tablespoon of pine nuts in a dry pan.
5. Prepare the vinaigrette: two tablespoons of basil-pressed olive oil, one teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
6. Mix beans, tomatoes, pine nuts, and vinaigrette in a large salad bowl. Serve well chilled.

For a professional touch, add a few fresh basil leaves when serving.

Find Modena white balsamic vinegar to complete your vinaigrette.

Italian-Style Pairings, Plating, and Variations

Pairings and Uses in Summer Cooking

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled fish or poultry, or as antipasti for a large gathering. The basil-pressed olive oil brings out the vegetal side of the green bean and highlights the sweetness of the tomato.

For a complete meal, add soft-boiled eggs or fresh Italian cheese like ricotta salata.

Discover how to personalize your summer table with a bottle of olive oil bearing your name.

Plating: The Art of Detail

Arrange the salad carefully in a large white dish or on a wooden board, separating the elements to highlight the colors. A drizzle of basil-pressed olive oil as a finishing touch, a few whole basil leaves, and golden pine nuts: voilà.

Gourmet Variations

• Add pitted black olives in olive oil for a Mediterranean touch (pitted black olives).
• For a more substantial version, incorporate diced steamed potatoes or white beans.
• Replace cherry tomatoes with fresh fig wedges, when in season in August.

Table: Ingredients and Alternatives to Enhance Your Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose good basil-pressed olive oil?

Opt for an extra virgin oil obtained by co-crushing fresh basil and olives, without added flavor. Check the label and origin.

Can green bean salad be prepared in advance?

Yes, but add the vinaigrette at the last minute so the beans retain their crunch and color.

What olive oil to choose for other summer salads?

Depending on the ingredients, a fruity green oil or a lemon-pressed olive oil can also enhance summer salads (trio of organic olive oils).

---

To go further, explore customization options or discover the professionals section to integrate a touch of Italy into your kitchen or establishment.