Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean sunshine in every single bite. This Green Bean Tomato Salad with Basil and Feta is not just a side dish – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular flavor explosion. Perfect for those scorching summer days when you want something light, nutritious, and absolutely delicious, this recipe will become your new go-to meal that impresses everyone from family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic 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 water.
- Prepare the green beans by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the tough ends. Cut beans into roughly 2-inch pieces if desired.
- Place green beans into the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Be careful not to overcook.
- Immediately drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- After 2-3 minutes, drain the green beans again and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh basil leaves.
- Add the cooled green beans, tomatoes, and chopped basil to the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the green beans, tomatoes, and basil. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give a final gentle mix.
- Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Blanching Perfection: The key to amazing green beans is precise blanching. Watch them closely and remove from boiling water the moment they turn bright green to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Ice Bath Magic: Never skip the ice water bath after blanching. This technique not only stops the cooking process but also helps maintain the beans' beautiful green color and crunchy texture.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to fully penetrate the ingredients, creating a more harmonious and intense flavor profile.
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and basil you can find. The quality of your ingredients will dramatically impact the final taste of the salad.
- Cheese Tip: For the best feta experience, use high-quality Greek feta and crumble it just before adding to the salad to maintain its creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 135kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
