Description
The Green Bean Pancetta Caesar Salad is a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Caesar salad, where fresh green beans take center stage. Instead of romaine lettuce, you get a vibrant, crisp-tender vegetable that holds up beautifully against the dressing. Add in pancetta—an Italian cured pork belly similar to bacon but more refined—and you’ve got a flavor-packed side or main dish that feels rustic yet sophisticated.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 package pancetta (about 4 oz), diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Shaved Parmesan, for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the beans: Boil green beans in salted water for 5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, shallot, and pancetta. Cook for 3–4 minutes until pancetta is golden and crispy.
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine green beans with the pancetta mixture. Add Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Finish & serve: Plate the salad, top with shaved Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
For extra crunch, toss in homemade croutons or roasted chickpeas. You can also swap pancetta with crispy turkey bacon or keep it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Toss + Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Pancetta Caesar Salad, Green Bean Caesar Salad, Caesar Salad with Pancetta