Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad with Salmon, Walnuts, and Mustard Vinaigrette . . . and Other Ways.

I recently went to the farmer's market, saw a woman try a green bean, and start moaning. I chose to keep my public expressions of joy over these magic beans a little more restrained, but I must admit -- they really were that good. Since then I've been bringing home green beans and heirloom tomatoes every week to make a salad. Each week has been different. Sometimes the salad is a side dish with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Other times it's a main course, with walnuts, canned salmon, and Omega-3s to spare. Whatever it is, it takes no more than 15 minutes, it's stunningly delicious, and it's so fresh that it makes me feel almost as if I've picked the fruits myself. Once you've found your favorite farmers market stand, I offer you the following expanding list of ideas. You may steam the green beans first, or just leave them raw. With some whole grain bread or this wonderful socca from Bitten, you'll soon be in whole food heaven.

Time: ~10-15 minutes
Serves: 2-6, depending on whether you are planning a salad or main course, which variety you make, and what you accompany it with.

Base Ingredients:
1 lb green beans, tips removed
1 pint cherry tomatoes

Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad with Walnuts, Canned Salmon, and Mustard Vinaigrette (pictured above):
Flake 1 can (wild) salmon over the green beans. Whisk in a small bowl 2 t dijon mustard, 2 t honey, 2-3 T sherry vinegar, 2-3 T EVOO, 1 clove minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss dressing with salad and sprinkle with (toasted) walnuts.

Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad with Whole Grain Croutons and Lemon Vinaigrette:
Toast chunks of whole grain bread tossed with garlic (or - gasp - garlic powder), salt, and pepper or red pepper flakes to taste. Meanwhile, whisk in a small bowl zest of 1/2 lemon, juice of 1 lemon, 3T EVOO, 1 clove minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Add a drop of honey if dressing is too acidic. Toss with salad; add croutons.

Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts, Goat Cheese, and Balsamic Vinaigrette:
Lightly toast hazelnuts in a small skillet or toaster oven. Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk 2-3 T balsamic vinegar, 2-3 T EVOO, 1-2 T honey, 1 clove minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss dressing with salad; sprinkle with hazelnuts and crumbled goat cheese.

Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad with Toasted Macadamia Nuts and Lemon Vinaigrette:
Toast macadamia nuts in a small skillet or toaster oven. Meanwhile, whisk in a small bowl zest of 1/2 lemon, juice of 1 lemon, 3T EVOO, 1 clove minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Add a drop of honey if dressing is too acidic. Toss dressing with salad; sprinkle with macadamia nuts.

Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad with Corn and Spicy Lime Vinaigrette:
Whisk in a small bowl or blend in a blender or mini-food processor juice of one lime, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh hot pepper to taste, 3T EVOO, 1 clove minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Toss with green beans, cherry tomatoes, and 1 can corn kernels or fresh corn kernels.

Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar:
Simple. Delicious. Done.