Conjure up the sunshine and wonderful culinary delights of Tuscany with this traditional-type salad.

Ingredients

• 750 grams green beans, trimmed
• ½ cup sundried or semi-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced
• ½ cup toasted pinenuts
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tblsp balsamic or sherry vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin is nice here)
• 1 tsp minced fresh garlic
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Method

1. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water, refresh in cold water, then drain well.
2. Toss together the beans, sundried or semi-dried tomatoes, pinenuts and basil leaves.
3. In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, olive oil and garlic. Pour over the vegetables and toss well. Serve quickly after being dressed, as the beans will discolour on sitting in the dressing. Garnish with the parmesan cheese before serving.