Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, vibrant salad that brings together crisp green beans, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing, this Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe is an absolute delight. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that manages to be both refreshing and satisfying, ideal for warm days or as a standout side dish any time of year. The bright green beans have just the right snap, the creamy feta adds a lovely saltiness, and those toasted nuts give every bite a wonderful crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients make this salad shine, each playing a unique role to enhance its taste, texture, and color. From the crisp green beans to the crumbled feta and the subtle dressing, every component is essential.
- 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed): Crisp and vibrant, they form the salad’s green, crunchy base.
- 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced): Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that balances creamy and nutty flavors.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a salty creaminess that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly.
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (chopped): Offers a toasty crunch and earthy depth to every forkful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Rich and smooth, it binds the dressing and carries the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Lends a tangy brightness to lift the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon honey: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in this fresh salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a warming spice that ties the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional): An herbaceous note to finish the salad with a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Quickly add your trimmed green beans and cook them just long enough, around 3 to 4 minutes, to achieve that perfect crisp-tender texture. Once done, immediately scoop them into a bowl of ice water—this stops the cooking, locks in that vibrant green color, and keeps them delightfully crunchy. After cooling, drain the beans well and pat them dry to avoid watering down your salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
Next, grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is where all the magic happens—its tangy yet slightly sweet balance coats every ingredient, elevating the salad from simple to spectacular. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy, ready to coat your veggies with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta, and toasted nuts. Drizzle your freshly whipped dressing over everything and toss gently, just enough to coat all the ingredients without breaking the delicate feta or bruising the beans. If you’re using fresh dill or parsley, sprinkle that on top as a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Serve Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe shine even brighter, consider adding a few extra garnishes. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or even basil lend freshness and visual appeal. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few extra chopped nuts on top adds texture and a subtle crunch for guests who love a little extra bite. A few lemon zest curls can also brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a simple fish dish. It’s equally lovely alongside a hearty grain bowl or a Mediterranean-inspired spread featuring hummus, olives, and pita bread. The crispness and brightness of this salad help cut through richer dishes, making every meal more balanced and enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve this salad in individual glass jars or on a platter with the nuts and herbs artistically scattered on top. Layering the green beans and feta with edible flowers or colorful vegetables creates a stunning dish perfect for entertaining. You can also turn this salad into a wrap filling, stuffing pita pockets for a fresh, handheld lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator and actually benefits from a bit of resting time for flavors to marry. Store leftovers in an airtight container and add the feta and nuts just before serving again to keep their wonderful texture intact.
Freezing
Due to the fresh vegetables and cheese, this salad does not freeze well. The green beans will lose their crispness and the feta’s texture can become grainy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of making it.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Let leftovers come to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate the bright flavors and pleasant textures.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this salad?
While fresh green beans are preferred for their crunch and vibrant color, frozen green beans could work if thawed and drained thoroughly, but they may be softer and less crisp than fresh ones.
Is it possible to substitute another cheese for feta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese is a creamy alternative that works beautifully in this salad, offering a milder tang while maintaining that lovely creaminess.
What nuts work best in this salad?
Toasted almonds or walnuts are classic choices, but you could also try pine nuts, pecans, or pistachios for a different flavor twist and similar crunch.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely, and you’ll still have a satisfying and flavorful salad experience.
How long can I prepare the salad in advance?
The salad can be prepped up to one day ahead; just keep the feta and nuts separate until serving to preserve their texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something both simple and spectacular. It captures the essence of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a nourishing side, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this salad a try—you might find it becoming a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Green Bean and Feta Salad featuring crisp-tender green beans, tangy feta cheese, toasted nuts, and a zesty Dijon vinaigrette, perfect as a healthy side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking and maintain their bright green color. Drain well and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the blanched green beans in a large serving bowl. Add the thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped toasted nuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to evenly coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley on top if desired. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance; add the feta cheese and toasted nuts just before serving to preserve their texture.
- For a creamier variation, substitute goat cheese in place of feta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blanching
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
