Green bean salad with mayonnaise

Green Salad with Mayonnaise and Garlic: A Recipe Full of Love

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Love is undoubtedly an essential ingredient in any recipe, but when it comes to food, a delicious green salad with mayonnaise and garlic can win your heart! This simple recipe for green bean salad with mayonnaise is perfect for adding a touch of freshness to your meals. It is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside various main courses.

A Brief History of Mayonnaise Salad

Mayonnaise, an iconic sauce, has its origins in culinary recipes from the 18th century, associated with festivities and refined meals. Over time, it has evolved into many variations, but the combination with fresh vegetables has remained one of the most beloved. Green bean salad with mayonnaise is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect choice for a healthy diet.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 bag of frozen green beans (about 400g)
- 2 eggs
- 300 ml oil (sunflower oil or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 head of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional: boiled or grilled chicken breast, for a heartier version
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Beans: In a large pot, add water with a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the frozen beans. Boil them for about 5-7 minutes or until they become soft yet crunchy. After boiling, drain them and let them cool.

2. Boiling the Eggs: In another pot, add water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the eggs and boil them for 10 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. Once boiled, place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Making the Mayonnaise: In a bowl, place the boiled yolks (2) and the raw yolk (1). Using a whisk or mixer, mix in one direction, gradually adding the oil. It is important to add the oil slowly to avoid the mayonnaise separating. When the mayonnaise becomes thick and creamy, add the mustard and mix well.

4. Preparing the Garlic: Peel the head of garlic and crush a few cloves (depending on how strong you want the flavor) with a mortar or knife to create a fine paste.

5. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the boiled beans with the prepared mayonnaise and crushed garlic. Mix well to combine all flavors. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Optional: If you want to enrich the salad, you can add boiled or grilled chicken breast, cut into cubes. This detail will make the salad heartier and more nutritious.

7. Serving: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley. You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for a bit, which will enhance the flavors.

Practical Tips

- Perfect Mayonnaise: If the mayonnaise doesn’t bind, you can add a bit of warm water and mix again. This can help achieve the desired consistency.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Beans: Although frozen beans are very convenient, if you find fresh beans, don’t hesitate to use them! The taste will definitely be more intense.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of mustard (Dijon or herb) to give the salad a unique twist. You can also add other vegetables, such as grated carrots or olives, for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Ideal Pairings

This green bean salad with mayonnaise pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside a glass of fresh white wine to complete the culinary experience.

Nutritional Information

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the green beans and eggs. For example, eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients, while beans contain fiber that aids digestion. One serving has approximately 300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought mayonnaise?
Yes, if you want to save time, you can use store-bought mayonnaise, but the taste will be different. Homemade mayonnaise has a fresher and more delicious flavor.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add grated carrots, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes for color and texture in the salad.

3. How can I store the salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days. It is recommended to add fresh garlic and not mix all the ingredients before serving.

4. What drinks pair best?
A dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade-based cocktail are excellent choices that pair well with this salad.

In conclusion, green salad with mayonnaise and garlic is more than just a simple dish; it is a love letter to healthy and tasty food. I invite you to try it and share the magic of these flavors with your loved ones! Bon appétit!