This bright and crunchy salad features fresh green beans and creamy feta cheese, making it a perfect side dish. It’s quick to toss together and full of flavor!
I love how the feta adds a salty kick to the crispy beans. Pair it with grilled meats for a yummy meal! Plus, it’s so easy, even I can whip it up after a long day. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are key here for crunch. If you can’t find them, try using frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the salad.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red and yellow for color. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes work too—just remove excess seeds to avoid sogginess.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a salty boost to the salad. If you need a substitute, crumbled goat cheese is a great option. For a dairy-free version, look for tofu feta or omit it entirely!
Fresh Herbs: Basil adds a lovely touch, but feel free to swap it for parsley or mint based on your preference or what’s on hand.
How Can I Ensure My Green Beans Are Perfectly Crisp?
The trick to keeping green beans crisp is in the boiling and cooling method. Start by boiling them in salted water to enhance their flavor, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This halts the cooking process and preserves their vibrant color.
- Boil the beans for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.
- After boiling, quickly move them to ice water for a few minutes. Drain and pat dry before mixing into your salad.
This technique ensures your beans will stay crunchy and fresh in the salad, creating a delightful texture!
Easy Green Bean and Feta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow for color)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with an additional 15-20 minutes if you choose to chill it before serving. It’s a quick dish, perfect for a healthy side or lunch option that doesn’t take a lot of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender-crisp to maintain a nice crunch.
2. Ice Bath:
After boiling, quickly drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and keep them vibrant. Let them cool for a few minutes, then drain again and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Mix the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. They should be colorful and inviting!
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a delicious dressing that brings all the flavors together.
5. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Add Extra Flavors:
If you’re using fresh basil, sprinkle it over the salad now and give it one last gentle toss to mix it in. This adds a lovely aroma and taste to your dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your salad is now ready! You can serve it immediately or for a more blended flavor, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy this fresh, crunchy, and tangy salad as a delightful side or healthy snack!
This Easy Green Bean and Feta Salad is not only simple to make but also bright and refreshing, making it perfect for any occasion!
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 thaw them completely before adding to the salad. Blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to keep them crisp.
How Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
If you want to keep it dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative such as crumbled tofu or a nut-based feta. The salad will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunch of the beans and freshness of the tomatoes.
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
This salad is versatile! You can add ingredients like sliced olives, red onion, or even nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. Feel free to experiment with flavors that you enjoy!
