Preparation

• Bring a medium pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the beans in the water until crisp-tender (cooking times of different types of beans will vary, so cook each variety separately). Drain and run under cold water to cool. Drain well and put the beans in a serving bowl.
• In a small, non-reactive saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, and 1 tsp. salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, return to a boil, and immediately pour the mixture into a nonreactive bowl to cool, about 15 minutes. Drain the onion and reserve the vinegar.
• Toss the onion with the beans, add 1 Tbs. of the vinegar and the olive oil. Add the basil and pine nuts (if using), season to taste with salt and pepper and toss again. Add more of the vinegar if you’d like a little more tang.