Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it steals the spotlight from the main course - that's exactly what Granny's Green Bean Salad promises to deliver! This isn't just another boring vegetable recipe; it's a vibrant, tangy, and refreshing culinary experience that will transform your perception of green beans forever. With a perfect balance of crisp texture, zesty vinaigrette, and optional creamy feta, this recipe is about to become your new summer sensation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris.
- Trim the ends of the green beans by cutting off the tough stem ends, creating uniform lengths for even cooking.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crispness.
- After 2-3 minutes, drain the green beans again and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Place the cooled green beans in a large serving bowl and add thinly sliced red onions.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the green beans and red onions, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- If desired, crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, firm green beans with a bright green color and no blemishes.
- Don't overcook the beans - blanching is key to maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Use an ice bath immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process and preserve the beans' crunchiness.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting some sliced almonds or adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or dill.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For a more intense flavor, try letting the red onions marinate in the vinaigrette for a few minutes before mixing with beans.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
