This refreshing green bean and feta salad is a tasty mix of crisp beans and creamy feta cheese. It’s colorful and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any meal!
I love how quick it is to whip up this salad! Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a bright side dish that makes any dinner feel a little special. Plus, it’s healthy—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: Crisp and bright, fresh green beans are essential for this salad. If they aren’t available, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw and blanch them briefly for a similar texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red and yellow tomatoes for color. If you don’t have them, you can swap in diced regular tomatoes or even some sliced bell peppers for crunch!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a wonderful creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan feta or omit it entirely. Crumbled goat cheese is a nice alternative if you prefer a different taste.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil brings a lovely aroma. If it’s not available, you can use dried basil or substitute with fresh parsley for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Blanch Green Beans Perfectly?
Blanching green beans helps keep them bright and crisp. Here’s how to do it well:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and still crisp.
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This halts the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain the beans again and pat them dry with a towel.
This technique locks in color and texture, making your salad look and taste amazing!
Easy Green Bean and Feta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (red and yellow mix)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp 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 delightful salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 5 minutes blanching the green beans, and the rest is just mixing everything together and dressing it. If you want the flavors to meld, you can chill it for 30 minutes afterward, which is totally optional but nice!
Step-by-Step 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. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. This will help keep their vibrant color and crunchy texture.
2. Cool Them Down:
Drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl full of ice water. This method halts the cooking process, keeping them crisp. Once they’ve cooled, drain the beans again and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Mix the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. The colors should be starting to look beautiful together!
4. Whisk Up the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the salad and carefully toss everything together until well coated. This helps all the flavors mingle beautifully.
6. Add Final Touches:
If you’re using fresh basil, sprinkle it on top and give it one light toss to mix it in. The basil adds a delightful touch of flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your easy green bean and feta salad is ready to be served! You can enjoy it immediately or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors develop even more. Either way, it’s a refreshing addition to any meal!
Enjoy your fresh, easy green bean and feta salad!
FAQ for Easy Green Bean and Feta Salad
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just be sure to thaw them completely before blanching. You can blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to retain their color and crispness.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the feta cheese and basil until right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta, you can use crumbled goat cheese for a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, try vegan feta or simply omit it altogether if you prefer a lighter salad.
