Green Beans with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, and Almonds

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 2 pounds haricots verts (tiny green beans), trimmed
• 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar*
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 (4-oz.) goat cheese log, crumbled

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.
2. 2. Cook green beans in boiling salted water to cover 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Plunge beans into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain.
3. 3. Whisk together vinegar and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl; add olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until blended and smooth. Add cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and green beans; toss to coat.
4. 4. Top green bean mixture with crumbled goat cheese and toasted almonds.
5. *White wine vinegar may be substituted.