Balsamic Green Bean Salad: A Tangy, Refreshing Side Dish

Looking for a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs well with just about any main course? Balsamic Green Bean Salad is the perfect answer. This refreshing salad combines fresh green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together by a zesty balsamic dressing. Whether served at a family dinner, BBQ, or holiday gathering, this salad is sure to impress with its balance of crunch, creaminess, and savory-sweet flavor.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making this Balsamic Green Bean Salad. Plus, we’ll explore how you can store leftovers, make substitutions, and offer answers to common questions.

For more salad recipes, check out these delicious green bean salads or get inspired by these balsamic vinaigrette recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This salad is as easy to make as it is delicious. The combination of fresh, crisp green beans and the tangy balsamic dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors. Here’s how to prepare it:

Balsamic Green Bean Salad Recipe: Fresh, Tangy, and Delicious

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Balsamic Green Bean Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines crisp green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese with a zesty balsamic dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing addition to any meal. The balance of lemon, balsamic vinegar, and garlic makes this salad a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1–1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 large red onion, chopped
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

Cook the green beans: In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans for about 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the beans again and set aside.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, garlic powder, ground mustard, and pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is well combined.
Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked green beans, chopped red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Add the feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad and give it a final toss to incorporate.
Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

If you prefer your green beans softer, you can cook them longer during the blanching process, but be careful not to overcook them.
You can substitute goat cheese or another cheese of your choice if you prefer something other than feta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Salad
Method: Blanching, Tossing
Cuisine: Mediterranean, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Balsamic Green Bean Salad Recipe

Instructions:

Cook the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color. Once cooled, drain them again and set aside.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, garlic powder, ground mustard, and pepper. This will create a tangy, well-balanced dressing to coat the salad.
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled green beans, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the balsamic dressing.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving platter and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate before serving.

Advanced Techniques

While Balsamic Green Bean Salad is simple to prepare, here are some advanced techniques to elevate the dish and add extra layers of flavor:

Roast the Green Beans

For a deeper, smokier flavor, you can roast the green beans instead of boiling them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), toss the trimmed green beans with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re slightly crispy. Roasting brings out a rich flavor in the beans that pairs wonderfully with the balsamic dressing.

Add Nuts for Crunch

To add extra texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or walnuts on top of the salad before serving. The nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the tender green beans and creamy feta, adding richness to the overall dish.

Include Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can bring an additional layer of freshness to the salad. Simply chop them finely and add them to the salad for an aromatic boost. Fresh herbs enhance the brightness of the green beans and complement the balsamic dressing.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

This Balsamic Green Bean Salad is a great make-ahead dish, but there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to storage and shelf life:

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Balsamic Green Bean Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve as it sits, making it an even tastier leftover dish. However, the salad will lose some of its crunch over time.

Freezing the Salad

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the texture of the green beans, tomatoes, and feta will change once frozen and thawed. The moisture from the dressing can also cause the ingredients to become soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored for a few days in the fridge.

Shelf Life

This salad can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s always best served fresh. If you prepare it in advance, be sure to refrigerate it and give it a quick toss before serving. The feta cheese and tomatoes might release moisture, so give the salad a good stir before serving again.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This salad is already quite versatile, but here are some ideas for making it suitable for different dietary needs:

Vegan Version

To make the salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Cashew-based vegan cheeses or crumbled tofu can provide a similar texture and flavor.

Gluten-Free Version

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so there’s no need for substitutions. Just make sure that the balsamic vinegar and other ingredients you use don’t contain any gluten-based additives.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb variation, reduce or eliminate the amount of cherry tomatoes, as they contain some natural sugars. Instead, you can bulk up the salad with additional leafy greens like spinach or kale, which are low in carbs but add volume and nutrition.

FAQs About Balsamic Green Bean Salad

1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

While fresh green beans yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans if that’s all you have. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using, and cook them according to the package instructions.

2. How can I make this salad ahead of time?

This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, if you’re making it in advance, we recommend waiting to add the feta cheese until just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soggy.

3. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! This salad is versatile, and you can add additional vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even roasted carrots. Just be sure to balance the flavors so that the green beans and tomatoes remain the focus.

4. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad makes an excellent meal prep option. Just store it in individual containers and enjoy it throughout the week. The dressing helps keep the vegetables flavorful even after a couple of days in the fridge.

5. Can I serve this salad warm?

Although the salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, you can serve it warm if you prefer. Simply toss the salad ingredients together while the green beans are still warm from cooking for a slightly different flavor profile.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Balsamic Green Bean Salad is a simple, healthy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this salad offers a refreshing balance of tangy balsamic, creamy feta, and crunchy green beans. With a few variations, it can easily be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Make sure to experiment with different herbs, toppings, or even roasted green beans to find the perfect combination that suits your palate. This dish is sure to become a favorite addition to your recipe repertoire!