Description
A fresh and vibrant Green Bean Salad combining tender green beans, sweet cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, and creamy feta, all tossed in a tangy lemon Dijon dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a refreshing appetizer, this salad balances crisp vegetables with a rich, zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb / 500g green beans, trimmed
- 350g / 12oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
Dressing
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or white wine vinegar)
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Other
- 120g / 4oz feta, crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well until emulsified. You can set this aside immediately or refrigerate it for up to 2 days. If refrigerated, bring it to room temperature before using.
- Cook the Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans, return to a boil, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Cool the Beans: Drain the green beans in a colander, then run them under cold tap water or plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and keep their bright color. Drain well and pat dry with clean dish towels to remove excess moisture.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely sliced red onion. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad, giving it a final light toss if desired. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or chilled for later enjoyment.
Notes
- The lemon juice in the dressing can be substituted with white wine vinegar for a milder acidity.
- Ensure to dry the green beans thoroughly after cooling to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; add feta just before serving to maintain its texture.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor variation.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: green bean salad, cherry tomatoes, feta salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy side dish, easy salad recipe
