Zesty Veggie Salad with Tangy Dressing

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €8.80 · €2.20/serving

• 1/4 cup premium couscous (fluff with a fork after cooking)Est. price €0.25–€0.45
• 2 cups (about 1/2 pound) delicate haricot verts (French green beans) (blanch in boiling water, then shock in ice water for vibrant color)Est. price €2.20–€3.80
• 1 large head of buttery Bibb or tender Boston lettuce leaves (gently pat dry with a kitchen towel after washing)Est. price €1.80–€3.00
• 1 medium ripe, firm avocado, sliced into elegant strips (sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning)Est. price €1.20–€2.00
• 1 cup plump grape tomatoes (slice in half for a burst of freshness)Est. price €1.50–€2.50
• 1/3 cup petite oil-cured black olives, preferably from Nioise (pit before adding to salad)Est. price €1.10–€1.90
• 1/4 cup artisanal balsamic vinaigrette, homemade or high-quality -bought, or as needed (drizzle lightly over salad and toss gently)Est. price €0.75–€1.50

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by pouring 1/2 cup of boiling water over the couscous in a small heatproof container. Cover the container and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the couscous absorbs all the water. After that, use a fork to fluff up the couscous before serving.

2. 2

   Begin by steaming the green beans in a small quantity of water until they reach a tender-crisp texture. Once cooked, drain the green beans and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to cool them down.

3. 3

   Begin by tearing the lettuce into small, manageable pieces. In a large salad bowl, mix together the torn lettuce, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Add the cooked couscous and blanched green beans to the bowl. Next, pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and carefully toss everything together. Finally, serve this delightful salad immediately for a refreshing dish.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  The salad dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, has roots in Italy and is known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile. The combination of ingredients in this salad reflects a Mediterranean influence, showcasing a mix of fresh vegetables and flavorful olives.

• Seasonal note

  This Zesty Veggie Salad is best enjoyed in the summer months when fresh avocados, grape tomatoes, and lettuce are in season. Haricot verts are typically available in the spring and early summer.

• Health note

  This salad is a nutritious choice as it is high in fiber, providing 24% of the daily recommended intake. It is also a good source of healthy fats from avocado and olives, and offers vitamins A, C, and K for immune support and bone health.