Prepare to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this incredibly simple yet irresistibly delicious Green Bean and Feta Salad! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a vibrant dish that's not only a feast for the eyes but a symphony of fresh flavors that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained in a Greek kitchen. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish or a light lunch that screams summer, this recipe is about to become your new culinary obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the green beans. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the ends of the green beans by cutting off the stem ends with a sharp knife.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water to season it.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Blanch the beans for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook them.
- While the green beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the beans are done cooking, quickly transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes.
- After the green beans have cooled, drain them well and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This will help remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled green beans, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine them evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Pour the dressing over the green bean mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Once everything is combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more feta, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates. You can serve it immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy your refreshing Greek-style green bean and feta salad as a side dish or light main course!
Tips
- Blanching Perfection: The key to an amazing green bean salad is achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture. Watch your beans closely during blanching and remove them immediately when they turn bright green.
- Ice Bath Magic: Always have a cold ice bath ready to stop the cooking process. This preserves the beans' vibrant color and prevents overcooking.
- Feta Selection: Choose a high-quality, authentic Greek feta for the most authentic flavor. The creamier and more tangy, the better!
- Marination Trick: If you have time, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add toasted pine nuts or sliced Kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Serve Temperature: This salad is delicious both warm and at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 183kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 13mg
