This Easy Green Bean and Feta Salad is a bright, crunchy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Fresh green beans are mixed with creamy feta cheese and a zesty dressing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh, crisp green beans are essential here. If you can’t find fresh, frozen green beans can work in a pinch, just blanch them slightly for the same crunchy texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: The mix of red and yellow adds color and sweetness! If you need a substitution, diced regular tomatoes or even cucumber chunks can add freshness.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a creamy, tangy flavor to the salad. If you prefer a milder taste, goat cheese or even crumbled cottage cheese can be excellent substitutes.
Fresh Herbs: Basil adds a lovely aroma. You can swap it with fresh parsley, dill, or chives for a different flavor profile based on what you like or have on hand.
Red Wine Vinegar: This brightens the salad. If you’re out, lemon juice is a great alternative, adding acidity while giving a fresh zest!
How Do You Keep Green Beans Crisp in a Salad?
Blanching green beans is key to maintaining their vibrant color and crunch. Here’s how to do it:
- Start boiling salted water – this enhances the green beans’ flavor.
- Add trimmed green beans and cook for just 3-4 minutes until bright green.
- Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath. This “shocks” them and stops further cooking, keeping them crunchy and perfectly colored.
- Drain and pat dry before mixing them into the salad for the best texture.
Following these steps will ensure your salad looks appealing and remains crunchy with each bite!
Easy Green Bean and Feta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (mixed red and yellow), halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or other fresh herbs like parsley)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and about 5 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 15 minutes. It’s quick and easy, and you can enjoy this colorful salad in no time!
Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender yet still crisp. It’s a quick process, so keep an eye on them!
2. Cool the Green Beans:
After cooking, drain the green beans and immediately transfer them into a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and keep them crisp. Once cooled, drain the beans again and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, mix together the blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. These vibrant colors will make your salad visually appealing!
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) over the salad. These will add flavor and richness. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the taste.
5. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss everything together until well combined. You want all the ingredients to be beautifully mixed. You can serve the salad right away, or if you prefer, chill it for about 20-30 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.
This fresh, colorful salad is perfect as a side dish for barbeques, lunch, or a lovely dinner. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
FAQ for Easy Green Bean and Feta Salad
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to blanch them for a shorter time, about 2-3 minutes, in boiling water, and then cool them in ice water to maintain crispness, just like you would with fresh beans.
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed freshly made, but it can still be delicious for a couple of days!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. It’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the green beans crisp and ensure the salad doesn’t get too soggy.
What Other Herbs Can I Use in This Salad?
If basil isn’t available, feel free to use fresh parsley, dill, or even mint for a different flavor profile. Each herb will add its unique twist to the dish!
