Bean Salad

Junior likes the little exotic salad/side dishes that you can buy. You know, in the little plastic pots...and they usually cost a small fortune. They're in the chiller department of the supermarkets, along with stuff like houmus, beetroot salad, cous cous salads, etc.

Anyway, after forking out for one (and liking it muchly) we decided to try making our own so we can enjoy and save money to boot.

Bean Salad


We use frozen beans - mainly because fresh aren't available now and plus, frozen works out cheaper as it makes lots:o)

We use green beans, edamane (soya beans) and broad beans. The shop (Asda) bought version uses sugar snap peas instead of green beans.

You just cook in boiling water for a few minutes and then cool in iced water to keep the green colour. We pop the broad beans out of their thick skins too, but you don't have to do this..it's just that Junior prefers it that way (she also peels her grapes before she eats them, too!!)

The best part is the dressing. We just made this up from looking at the ingredient list on the shop bought version.  We use:-

2 tbs olive oil (We used 2 TSPS walnut oil instead last time and it was good)
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
4 tbs soy sauce
Clove of garlic..chopped finely
Half a thumb length of fresh ginger..grated finely..add the juice, too
1 small shallot - finely chopped
1 tsb of runny honey or agave nectar or maple syrup
A smidgeon of finely chopped red chilli (optional)

Stick all the dressing ingredients in a clean jam jar and shake to mix thoroughly. Season to taste. This is better if you make it in advance and let the flavours meld together.

Mix beans and dressing and enjoy.  It's nicer at room temperature, not too cold.

We made some this afternoon. A huge panful. There's me thinking it would last all weekend, but Junior has basically scoffed the lot. lol


Ringo taking up room on the sofa and posing, as usual:o)