If you’re craving a fresh and vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and texture, you’re in for a treat with this Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe. It’s such a wonderful combination of crisp, tender green beans paired with creamy, tangy feta cheese and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. Every bite is a perfect balance of brightness, saltiness, and just a touch of sweetness, making it an ideal salad to bring to any gathering or enjoy as a healthy, satisfying side. This salad feels like a little Mediterranean sunshine on your plate, refreshing and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the key to nailing this salad. Each component plays its part exactly right—whether it’s the crunch of the green beans or the punch of red onion, everything contributes to a symphony of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed: Crisp and vibrant, they’re the hearty base of the salad.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty bite that complements the green beans perfectly.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a sharp, slightly sweet contrast and a bit of crunch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Rich and smooth, it helps marry all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the salad with fresh citrus tang.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle depth and a mild kick to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Provides a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of herby freshness and visual appeal.
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 boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and become just tender. This blanching keeps them crisp yet soft enough to enjoy. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, preserving their lovely color and crunch. After cooling, drain them well to avoid sogginess in your salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey if you’re using it. Season this dressing with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This simple yet flavorful dressing ties the salad together, balancing acidity with a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled green beans, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until each green bean is perfectly coated. This ensures every bite is bursting with vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top for a fresh herbal note. This Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature, letting those flavors mingle beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, consider topping your salad with toasted almonds or slivered pistachios. These add a toasty crunch that’s a delightful contrast to the soft feta and crisp green beans. A few halved cherry tomatoes can bring a juicy sweetness and pop of color, making your salad even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light summer meal, but it also shines alongside roasted potatoes or warm couscous to make a heartier spread. Its Mediterranean vibe effortlessly complements dishes with garlic, lemon, or fresh herbs.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe in colorful bowls to showcase its vibrant colors. Or create individual portions in small glass jars or bowls for a charming touch at parties. You could also layer it as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter alongside hummus, olives, and pita bread for a fun, shareable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad holds up really well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just store it in an airtight container to keep the green beans crisp and the flavors fresh.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and feta cheese, freezing this salad isn’t recommended—it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crisp textures and vibrant taste.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off without sacrificing flavor or texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this salad?
While fresh green beans give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen beans if needed. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before blanching or cooking to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! This Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe is naturally vegetarian and also gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Can I substitute feta with another cheese?
Absolutely. While feta adds a unique salty tang, fresh mozzarella or goat cheese can be appealing alternatives depending on your taste—just keep the salt level in mind when adjusting seasoning.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the salad a few hours ahead or even the day before, which makes it perfect for entertaining. Just toss with the dressing close to serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What variations can I try with this salad?
Try adding cherry tomatoes, olives, or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for different textures and flavors. You can also swap parsley for fresh dill or mint for an herb twist that keeps it exciting.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe a try is like inviting a burst of color and freshness into your kitchen. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that brightens up any meal and keeps things light and satisfying. Once you taste the crunchy beans married with tangy feta and that zippy lemon dressing, you’ll want to make it again and again. So go ahead, whip this up for your next meal, and share the joy of this delightful salad with your friends and family!
Print
Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Green Bean and Feta Salad that combines crisp blanched green beans with tangy feta cheese, red onion, and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect as a light side dish, served chilled or at room temperature, and can be easily customized with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes or olives.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes, until they are just tender and bright green.
- Shock the Green Beans: Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool completely, then drain well.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled green beans, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- This salad holds up well for a few hours, making it an excellent make-ahead side dish.
- Feel free to add variations such as cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, or olives to enhance flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Blanching
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
