Green Bean and Basil Salad

Need a salad but don't have lettuce? This is a fresh salad that goes well with almost everything. Accompanied by a fresh tomato salad it is ideal to serve with a braai or a hearty main dish. Home baked brown bread will complete the meal. 1 10 oz. pkg frozen green beans or a large tin or 10 oz fresh beans 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup onions -- very thinly sliced 1 teaspoon dried basil or a small bunch of fresh basil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon olive oil -- plus 1 tsp. 1/8 teaspoon pepper 3 tablespoons water salt to taste Cook beans according to directions until just tender-crisp and drain or drain water from tinned beans. Combine beans and onions in a large bowl. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over beans. Toss until well blended. Chill several hours or overnight, stirring occasionally. Garnish with black olives if available and fresh basil leaves.