She Strengthens

Summer Freshness in a Bowl

Light and Refreshing Salad for Warm Weather

As the sun shines bright, our taste buds crave something light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. This summer salad is the perfect solution, combining the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the crunch of blanched green beans.

A Simple yet Elegant Vinaigrette

To bring out the best in this summer duo, we’ll create a zesty vinaigrette using freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, and shallots. This dressing will tie everything together, adding a burst of citrus flavor to each bite.

The Perfect Pairing

This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served alongside a variety of grilled meats, including rib steaks, salmon, leg of lamb, or whole grilled bass.

Plan Ahead with Ease

One of the best things about this salad is that it can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate, then give it a quick toss before serving to recombine the flavors.

Tips and Tricks

For a quick and easy way to slice cherry tomatoes, check out our video series featuring Blake Smith’s expert techniques.

Servings and Prep Time

Yield: 6-8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 40 minutes

Gather Your Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves and stems

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blanch the Green Beans
   Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and prepare an ice water bath. Cook the green beans until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and transfer to the ice water bath. When chilled, drain again and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Prepare the Dressing
   In a medium bowl, combine the shallot, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add the lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly.

3. Assemble the Salad
   In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, and parsley. Pour in the dressing and toss to coat thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.