Looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and is a breeze to prepare? Look no further than this delightful Green Beans Tomato Feta Salad! With its crisp green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, this Greek-inspired salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously healthy option for any meal. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, it comes together in just 15 minutes—making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple ingredients can create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Prepare the green beans by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the tough ends. Cut beans into roughly 2-inch uniform pieces.
- Carefully add trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- Immediately drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This technique will help preserve their crisp texture and bright green color.
- While beans are cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Drain the cooled green beans thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Blanching Technique: For the best texture, make sure to blanch the green beans only until they are bright green and crisp-tender. This keeps them crunchy and vibrant.
- Ice Bath: Don't skip the ice bath after blanching! This step halts the cooking process and locks in the beans' color and crunch.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and high-quality feta cheese for the most flavorful salad. The quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference.
- Customize the Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Add herbs like oregano or basil for an extra layer of flavor, or swap the red wine vinegar for lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. If you're preparing it in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
