Recipe(tried): Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing

This is easy and delicious. Sometimes I add fresh mozzarella, but use white balsamic vinegar if you add the cheese since the regular balsamic will turn the cheese an unappetizing brown.

GREEN BEAN AND CHERRY TOMATO SALAD WITH HERB DRESSING

1 1/2 pounds slender green beans, trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces

3/4 cup chopped seeded tomatoes
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

Cook beans in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Transfer to bowl of ice water and cool. Drain well. Place in large bowl.

Mix next 5 ingredients in small bowl; stir into beans. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and cherry tomatoes.

Makes 8 servings.
Bon App tit
May 2002