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