Why Make This Recipe
Fresh Green Bean Salad is a bright, colorful dish that brings together the crunch of green beans, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the creamy tang of feta cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables, and it’s easy to prepare. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or just looking for a healthy side dish, this salad is sure to impress. Plus, it’s refreshing and packed with nutrients!
How to Make Fresh Green Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds (about 700g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds (or pecans, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Before you even start cooking the beans, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Set it aside near your stovetop. This is essential for stopping the cooking process instantly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Be generous with the salt—it should taste like the sea.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 3-5 minutes. You want them to be bright green and “tender-crisp,” so start testing a bean after 3 minutes.
- As soon as the beans are ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the ice bath. This stops the cooking process and locks in the green color.
- Let the beans chill in the ice bath for a few minutes until they are completely cool. Then, drain them and pat them dry with a towel.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, optional honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- If using a bowl, whisk the dressing well until it thickens. If using a jar, shake it tightly for about 30 seconds.
- In a large bowl, combine the dried green beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together.
- Just before serving, add the crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds, then toss gently again.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor, or chill for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
How to Serve Fresh Green Bean Salad
This salad can be served as a side dish at dinner or as a light lunch on its own. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It looks beautiful on a large platter, making it perfect for gatherings.
How to Store Fresh Green Bean Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 1-2 days. However, the texture of the salad may change a little, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Tips to Make Fresh Green Bean Salad
- Make sure to use fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the dressing according to your taste preferences—more lemon for tang, or a bit more honey for sweetness.
- Ensure the green beans are completely dry before tossing them with the dressing to avoid a watery salad.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers. You might also try adding avocado for creaminess or grilled corn for a sweet touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh beans are recommended for the best texture, but if you use frozen, make sure they are thawed and drained well before adding them to the salad.
2. How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the green beans and the dressing ahead of time. Mix everything together just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
3. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are gluten-free, making it a great choice for gluten-sensitive diets.