Italian Green Bean Salad

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 pound green beans
• Vinaigrette Dressing
• Lettuce (optional)
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Ripe olives

Vinaigrette Dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon prepared dark mustard
• Dash of pepper

Instructions

1. Remove ends from beans. If beans are large, cut French style into lengthwise strips.
2. Heat beans and 1 inch of salted water, using 1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 cup water, to boiling. Cook uncovered 5 minutes. Cover and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes, French style 5 to 10 minutes; drain.
3. Prepare Vinaigrette Dressing. Pour over warm beans and toss. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
4. Remove beans to lettuce-lined plate with slotted spoon.
5. Add tomatoes and onion.
6. Sprinkle with cheese; garnish with olives.
7. Vinaigrette Dressing: Mix all ingredients.

Yields 4 to 6 servings.