Description
This refreshing Green Bean and Feta Salad combines crisp-tender green beans with tangy feta, sharp red onion, and a zesty Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish or a summer salad, it features vibrant Mediterranean flavors enhanced by fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Easy to prepare with a quick blanching technique and minimal cooking, this salad is both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become crisp-tender and bright green. Immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- Drain and dry: After the green beans are fully cooled in the ice water, drain well and gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine the salad: In a large bowl, toss together the blanched green beans, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes (if using), and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add the dressing and toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated without breaking up the feta too much.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill or parsley over the salad for added flavor and color. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead of time; however, add the feta cheese and fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
- For a creamier twist, substitute goat cheese in place of feta cheese.
