Fresh Asparagus and French Bean Salad

Salad:

1 pound French beans, stems removed
2 pounds asparagus, woody ends trimmed
1 Tbsp finely chopped shallot
1 Tbsp finely chopped chives
5 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and cut in quarters

Vinaigrette:
2 tsp Dijon mustard*
4 tsp balsamic vinegar *
3 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Fill a large pot with water. Bring to a boil and add beans and asparagus. Return to boil, lower heat and simmer about 2 to 4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp. Drain and refresh under cold water. Let cool completely. 

In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, balsamic vinegar and olive oil until smooth. Season to taste. Set aside. 

Chop cooled vegetables and transfer to a salad bowl. Sprinkle with shallot, chives and bacon. Drizzle with vinaigrette and top with eggs. Makes 12 servings.

*What to look out for in your ingredients:

Dijon Mustard – There are many gluten free mustard options out there but beware, not all mustard is gluten free!  Here is a list of brands that have specifically marked their Dijon Mustard label with gluten free: Organiville, Koops’, and Annie’s.  French’s says that that all of their prepared mustards are gluten free to less that 20 ppm except for its Tangy Sweet and Smooth BBQ Mustard, which does contain gluten.  However they recommend you always check the label as modifications may occur in their formulations.  They do state that the vinegar they use is ethyl alcohol, another term for grain-derived alcohol or ethanol, meaning that alcohol could be derived from wheat.

Balsamic Vinegar – Always check the label.  If it is good quality it will be gluten free.  The less expensive, the more likely it will contain additives – coloring, caramel, guar gum and corn flour are most commonly added to artificially simulate the sweetness and thickness that is naturally created from the lengthly aging process of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.  It is these colorings and caramel flavorings in the lowest quality of balsamic vinegars which may or may not contain gluten, so always check the label!