Chilled Green Bean and Pecan Salad with Feta Dressing
Beat the summer heat with this refreshing and vibrant Chilled Green Bean and Pecan Salad! This delightful dish combines crisp, tender green beans with the rich, creamy flavor of feta cheese and the crunchy goodness of toasted pecans. Tossed in a light, zesty vinaigrette infused with fresh basil and aromatic garlic, this salad is perfect as a lunch option or a flavorful snack. It’s an effortless make-ahead dish that can be prepped ahead of time and served cold, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light weekday meal. The combination of textures and flavors make each bite a delicious celebration of fresh ingredients!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh green beans
2 lbs (ends trimmed and cut into thirds)
purple onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
feta cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
pecans
1 cup (coarsely chopped and toasted)
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
champagne vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
balsamic vinegar
4-5 drops (to taste)
fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the green beans: trim the ends and cut them into thirds to create manageable pieces.
2
In a large pot, set up a steamer basket and fill the bottom with water. Bring to a boil, then add the green beans, cover, and steam for about 15 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
3
Quickly plunge the cooked green beans into an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cooled green beans with the thinly sliced purple onion, crumbled feta cheese, and coarsely chopped toasted pecans.
5
To prepare the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, champagne vinegar, balsamic vinegar drops, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a separate non-reactive bowl until well combined. Chill the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
6
Pour the chilled vinaigrette over the green bean mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
7
Cover the salad and return it to the refrigerator to chill for an additional hour to meld the flavors.
8
Before serving, give the salad another toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy this crisp, flavorful salad as a side or a light main dish!
Nutrition Information
16.25g
Fat
5g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chilled Green Bean and Pecan Salad?
It is a refreshing summer salad featuring crisp green beans, creamy feta cheese, and toasted pecans tossed in a zesty basil vinaigrette.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
How should I prepare the green beans?
Trim the ends and cut the beans into thirds before steaming.
How long do the green beans need to steam?
Steam them for about 15 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.
What is the purpose of the ice bath?
The ice bath stops the cooking process immediately, keeping the beans crisp and vibrant green.
What kind of onion is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for one small, thinly sliced purple onion.
How much feta cheese is required?
You will need 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
Do the pecans need to be toasted?
Yes, the pecans should be coarsely chopped and toasted for maximum flavor.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of olive oil.
What type of vinegar is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of champagne vinegar and a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil.
How many garlic cloves are in the dressing?
There are 2 minced garlic cloves in the vinaigrette.
How long should the vinaigrette chill?
The vinaigrette should chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
How long should the assembled salad chill before serving?
The salad should chill for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
How much protein is in this salad?
Each serving contains 3.75 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 16.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a good make-ahead dish?
Yes, it is designed to be prepared in advance and served cold.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Yes, it works well as either a side dish or a light main course.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Should the green beans be dried after the ice bath?
Yes, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure the dressing adheres well.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, its refreshing nature makes it ideal for picnics and summer parties.
What kind of bowl should I use for the vinaigrette?
Use a non-reactive bowl to whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together.
How much salt is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
What is the quantity of green beans needed?
You will need 2 pounds of fresh green beans.
Can I adjust the seasoning before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to toss the salad and adjust seasonings right before serving.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad is a mix of crisp-tender beans, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese.
Is there any balsamic vinegar in the recipe?
Yes, 4-5 drops of balsamic vinegar are added to taste.
What are the tags for this recipe?
The tags include salad, summer recipes, vegetarian, quick and easy, healthy lunch, make ahead, and cooling dish.