Green Beans Salad Recipe

Picture this: a vibrant, crunchy green bean salad that feels like a lush garden party in every bite, complete with a zesty dressing that will leave your taste buds singing. Let’s dive in!

My Green Beans Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The blend of sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and crisp green beans is something I find hard to resist.

And when you add the bite of red onion and the wonderful crunch of toasted walnuts, this simple salad seems to have it all. A dressing of olive oil and Dijon mustard ties it together beautifully.

Ingredients

• Green Beans: High in fiber, low in calories, nutritious and filling.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C, adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• Red Onion: Crunchy, subtly sweet, adds a zesty flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Provides a creamy, salty kick, rich in calcium.
• Walnuts: Packed with omega-3s, adds crunch and healthy fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Put a big pot of salted water on to boil. When it reaches a rolling boil, add the green beans. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, no more and no less, and they will turn out perfectly tender and bright green.

2. Transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water immediately to halt the cooking process. Allow them to sit and cool for a minute or two, then drain and pat the beans dry with a paper towel or a clean dish towel.

3. In a big bowl, mix the blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

4. Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk together to make the dressing.

5. Add the dressing to the green bean mixture and mix until everything is coated evenly.

6. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts with a gentle motion.

7. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving so that the flavors can meld.

8. If needed, adjust the seasoning to taste with extra salt and pepper.

9. Move the salad to a serving platter or bowl.

10. Serve right away, or cover and chill for as long as 4 hours before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Bowl for ice water
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Tongs or slotted spoon
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Paper towel or clean dish towel
12. Serving platter or bowl

FAQ

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?You can indeed use frozen green beans. It is important, however, to ensure that they are thawed and dried well before being added to the salad.
• What can I substitute for feta cheese if I am lactose intolerant?A lactose-free alternative to feta is available, or you can use crumbled firm tofu in place of feta.
• Is there a nut-free option?Certainly! You may leave out the walnuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds to add some crunch.
• How can I make this salad vegan?To make it suitable for a vegan diet, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with an alternative plant-based cheese.
• How long does this salad keep?The salad is most enjoyable fresh but can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for as long as 2 days.
• Can I prepare any components of the salad in advance?You are allowed to get the dressing ready beforehand and store it in the chilly refrigerator. You may also get the green beans trimmed and blanched ahead of time.
• What is the best way to toast walnuts?To toast walnuts, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake the walnuts for 5 to 7 minutes, checking them frequently to ensure that they do not burn.

Green Beans Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or diced bell peppers instead of cherry tomatoes.
Replace red onions with any of these.
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Substituto.
Substitute goat cheese, blue cheese, or even ricotta salata for feta cheese.
Substitute almonds, pecans, or pine nuts for walnuts.
Replace red wine vinegar with any of the following:
• Apple cider vinegar
• Balsamic vinegar
• Lemon juice

Pro Tips

1. Blanching Optimization: After blanching, ensure that the green beans are fully submerged in the ice water bath. This stops the cooking process quickly, locking in the vibrant green color and crisp texture.