"Marcona almonds are nothing like the brown California almonds most people are familiar with. Marconas have a rich, sweet flavor and moist, crunchy-chewy texture. They usually are roasted in oil and lightly salted. In this salad, they offer a great crispy, salty contrast to the green beans.Aged gouda is similar to Parmesan, but with a creamy, smokier flavor. If you can’t find it, substitute chunks of Parmesan or cheddar. These green beans are seriously garlicky, making them a natural for Italian and Greek foods. Pair them with summer pasta and vegetable dishes...."