If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that brings together crisp vegetables and tangy cheese in a delightfully simple way, then you absolutely have to try this Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe. This salad bursts with bright green beans cooked to just the right snap, creamy feta cheese that adds a luscious saltiness, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re after a quick side for weeknight dinners or a show-stopping dish for gatherings, this recipe is a total winner that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe plays a vital role, contributing fresh flavors, delightful textures, and inviting colors. Together, they transform a simple salad into something extraordinary that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed: Choose crisp, bright green beans for the best crunch and color.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy, salty richness that balances the fresh beans perfectly.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that enhances the salad’s depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Gives a luscious, fruity base to the dressing that coats every bite.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice: Adds zingy acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle kick and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory note without overpowering the freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, or chopped fresh herbs: These additions introduce bursts of color, crunch, and herbal aroma.
How to Make Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your trimmed green beans and cook them for just 3 to 4 minutes until they become crisp-tender. This timing is crucial to maintain their beautiful bright green color and firm texture, ensuring the salad has that perfect fresh snap in every bite.
Step 2: Shock and Drain
As soon as the green beans are done, drain them quickly and plunge them into a bowl filled with ice water. This shocking process stops the cooking immediately, locking in color and texture. After a few minutes, drain the beans again and gently pat them dry to avoid sogginess in the salad.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, your choice of red wine vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This vibrant dressing is the heart of the recipe—its tang and savoriness bring harmony and excitement to the green beans and feta.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Combine the green beans, thinly sliced red onion, and dressing in a large bowl. Toss everything together until the beans and onions are evenly coated. This step is where the flavors really start to mingle, making the salad irresistibly fresh and flavorful.
Step 5: Add Feta and Optional Garnishes
Finally, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese along with any optional add-ins like cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, or fresh herbs. These extras are not just decorative—they elevate this Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe by adding new textures and bursts of flavor.
How to Serve Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, dill, or mint make beautiful garnishes that add a fragrant lift to this salad. Toasted almonds or pine nuts introduce a wonderful crunch, while a sprinkle of extra feta brings a creamy finish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or flaky fish, making it a perfect companion to your main course. It’s also fantastic served alongside crusty bread or as a refreshing side to sandwiches and wraps on a warm day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a rustic wooden bowl or individual glass jars for parties. You can also layer it on a platter with colorful garnishes arranged artfully on top to turn this simple salad into a centerpiece that draws everyone in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making it a convenient option for preparing meals in advance or enjoying quick lunches the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe because the fresh green beans and cheese will lose their texture and freshness once thawed, leaving the salad limp and watery.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to appreciate its fresh, crisp qualities, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes before serving if it feels too chilled.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
While fresh green beans are ideal for the best flavor and crunch, you can use frozen green beans if necessary. Just be sure to cook and shock them carefully to avoid mushiness.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you prefer, goat cheese or ricotta salata can be great alternatives, both offering a creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the beans well.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make the salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese substitute or toasted nuts for richness.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced bell peppers, or even blanched asparagus would make delightful additions that enhance flavor, color, and texture.
How long does this salad keep its freshness?
Stored properly in the fridge, this salad remains fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. After that, the green beans might soften and the dressing could mellow, so it’s best enjoyed sooner.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to picks for any season. Its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and perfectly balanced flavors make it a genuine crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it at your table—trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Print
Green Bean and Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Green Bean and Feta Salad featuring crisp-tender green beans tossed with tangy feta cheese, red onion, and a zesty olive oil dressing. Perfect as a chilled side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Toasted almonds
- Chopped fresh herbs
Instructions
- Boil the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender, ensuring they maintain a bright green color.
- Shock the green beans: Drain the green beans immediately and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Drain again and pat them dry thoroughly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans and thinly sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over them and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add feta and optional garnishes: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese along with any optional add-ins like cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, or fresh herbs. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and chilled for up to 2 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
- It’s an excellent fresh side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a potluck spread.
