Gloria'S Shaker Salad
Gloria's Shaker Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish featuring crisp green string beans, tender lettuce, and a tangy tarragon vinaigrette. Perfect for warm weather or light gatherings, it offers a balanced blend of herbal and savory flavors with a smooth olive oil dressing that enhances the vegetables' natural freshness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the string beans in boiling water to cover by 1 inch and boil briskly for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Drain the string beans and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Spread the string beans on a towel to drain and refrigerate.
- In a bowl, combine tarragon vinegar, chopped onion, thyme, savory, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients well with a whisk.
- Pour in the olive oil gradually while whisking until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Add the cooled string beans and lettuce to the dressing.
- Gently but thoroughly toss the salad until evenly coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant salad, use fresh green string beans and ensure they are cooked al dente for the best texture. If tarragon vinegar is unavailable, white wine vinegar can be a good substitute. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to the dressing to balance the acidity. This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit vegan diets by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
This Shaker Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light and refreshing meal. It can also be served alongside hearty dishes like Mama's Beef Stew for a delightful contrast. For a more substantial offering, consider serving it with crusty bread or as part of a buffet spread featuring other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2 days for the best taste and texture. If the salad is dressed, it may become soggy, so consider storing the dressing separately and combining just before serving. When ready to serve, gently toss to refresh the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gloria'S Shaker Salad contains roughly 108 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1181mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen string beans instead of fresh?
While fresh string beans are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen string beans in a pinch. Just make sure to blanch them briefly and drain well before adding them to the salad.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
To prepare this salad in advance, you can cook the string beans and make the dressing a day before. Store the beans and dressing separately in the refrigerator. Combine them with the lettuce just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I add to this salad for extra flavor?
For added flavor, you can incorporate ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sliced almonds, or crumbled feta cheese. These additions will enhance the overall taste and texture, making it a versatile dish that can complement various mains.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).