Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in just one bite - our Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes and Creamy Feta is about to become your new obsession! This incredibly simple yet stunning salad transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for the recipe. With its crisp green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, this dish is not just a side, but a star that can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the green beans under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends of the green beans, cutting off any tough or fibrous parts.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Blanch the green beans for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- While the green beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the green beans are done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and help retain their vibrant color.
- After the green beans have cooled for a few minutes, drain them well and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and the cooled green beans. Gently toss them together to mix.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the green bean and tomato mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese to the salad. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold it in gently, taking care not to break the feta too much.
- Once everything is well combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. You can serve it immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy your refreshing Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes and Creamy Feta as a side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- Always blanch your green beans to maintain their bright color and crisp texture. The ice bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients - especially ripe cherry tomatoes and good quality feta cheese.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or mint.
- If you prefer a warmer version, you can serve this salad slightly heated or at room temperature.
- For best results, use extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 196kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 13mg
