Winter Greens Salad with Green Beans and Roquefort Vinaigrette

This Winter Greens Salad with Green Beans and Roquefort Vinaigrette is a delightful combination of fresh greens, crisp green beans, and the rich, fruity flavors of Roquefort cheese. The tangy vinaigrette dressing ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that are perfect for the winter season.

Serves 4 

INGREDIENTS:

SALAD:

• 1 bunch of watercress
• 2 heads of Belgium endive
• 1 small red onion
• 1/2 pound green beans

DRESSING:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1/4 pound Roquefort or another quality blue cheese
• Coarse (kosher) salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by rinsing the watercress and breaking it into bite-size pieces. Next, cut the Belgian endive diagonally into 3 or 4 sections each, discarding the cores. Slice the red onion into thin rings.
2. In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a rapid boil and add salt. Cook the green beans in two separate batches for about 5 minutes each, or until they are just tender. Then, immediately plunge them into ice water that has been salted to stop the cooking process. Combine the blanched green beans with the greens and sliced onion.
3. To prepare the vinaigrette dressing, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, vegetable oil, olive oil, and chopped chives. Crumble the Roquefort cheese into the dressing using a spoon, leaving some larger chunks for added texture. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Any remaining dressing can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
4. To assemble the salad, dress it with approximately 1/4 cup of the prepared vinaigrette, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed. Save the remaining dressing for future use.
5. Finally, arrange the salad onto four individual plates, making sure to showcase the red onion rings and green beans on top for a visually appealing presentation.

SERVE AND ENJOY:

• • This Winter Greens Salad with Green Beans and Roquefort Vinaigrette is perfect as an appetizer or side dish during the winter months. Its vibrant flavors and contrasting textures make it a refreshing addition to any meal. Enjoy the delightful combination of fresh greens, crisp green beans, and the bold taste of Roquefort cheese, all brought together by the flavorful vinaigrette dressing.

Add a touch of elegance to your winter dining experience with this salad. The peppery watercress, crunchy endive, and savory Roquefort cheese are complemented by the tender green beans, all brought together by the rich, tangy vinaigrette. Whether served as a side dish or an appetizer, this Winter Greens Salad with Green Beans and Roquefort Vinaigrette is sure to impress your guests and brighten up your winter table. Enjoy!