Heirloom Tomato & Haricot Vert Salad

Being that haricot vert were 20% off in Whole Foods, I had to grab myself a bag of these babies. Also, it seemed very fitting buying a french bean this week since I will be leaving to Paris very soon!!!!! (Woooo!) Surprisingly enough, haricot vert are a low calorie (25 calories per half cup!) source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants- you would not have thought that huh? I usually prepare them simply by sauteing with onion and garlic and adding in some vinegar, but I decided to get a tad more creative being that it's Spring time (I'm just going to completely ignore the miserable rain). I added some heirloom tomatoes for color and some frisee for an added fun texture. With all the different textures and colors included in the salad, there truly was a party in my mouth...and this time you are all invited!

Ingredients:

1 lb. bag haricot vert (french green beans)
8 oz. mini Heirloom tomatoes, cut in half
1 large shallot
1 bunch frisee lettuce, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. olive oil
Salt & Pepper, to taste

For the dressing;
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 tbsp. sriracha chili sauce
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. cayenne
salt & pepper
pinch of sugar

Procedure:


Boil a pot of water over a high-heat. When the water is boiling add in the haricot vert and boil for aprroximately 3 minutes. Prepare an ice bath for the beans, or run the string beans under cold water in order to stop the cooking. This procedure is know as "blanch & shock."

In another pan, saute the shallot in the olive oil for about 3 minutes, then add in the garlic along with some salt and pepper and continue to saute for another minute or two. Next, toss the stringbeans into the saute mixture. Set aside.

Chop the frisee. Set aside.

In a separate bowl whisk together the part-skim ricotta, juice & zest of 1 lemon, sriracha chili sauce, oregano, and cayenne.


Toss together the haricot vert/saute mixture, the frisee and the dressing, and add some salt & pepper as necessary. Serves 4-6. Enjoy!!