Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary Mediterranean culinary experience with this ridiculously easy Tomato Feta Green Bean Salad! Imagine a vibrant dish that combines crisp green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, all dressed in a tantalizing balsamic vinaigrette. This recipe is not just a salad - it's a flavor explosion that takes just 20 minutes to prepare and will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this refreshing dish is about to become your new summer obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Green beans
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash green beans thoroughly and trim the ends, removing any tough or discolored parts.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare a separate bowl with ice water for blanching.
- Add green beans to boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender, maintaining a slight crunch.
- Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer green beans to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and texture.
- Drain the green beans completely and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Wash cherry tomatoes and slice them in half, ensuring uniform size for even distribution in the salad.
- Crumble the feta cheese into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: Perfectly blanch your green beans to maintain their bright green color and crisp-tender texture. The ice bath is crucial in stopping the cooking process.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select firm, bright green beans and ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor profile.
- Let it Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with different vinegars or add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to personalize the recipe.
- Serve Temperature Matters: This salad is best served at room temperature, which allows the flavors to shine through.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble just before serving to save time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
