Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Green Bean and Feta Salad featuring crisp-tender green beans, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Perfect as a healthy side dish or light meal, served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender but still crisp. Remove immediately and transfer to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, preserving their vibrant color and crunch.
- Drain and Dry: Once the green beans have cooled completely in the ice water, drain thoroughly and pat dry using 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 black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled green beans, thinly sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Add Feta and Herbs: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh dill or parsley, if using, taking care not to break up the cheese too much.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or light meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, consider adding toasted almonds or Kalamata olives to the salad.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days; just toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
