Refreshing Green Bean & Feta Medley
Elevate your salad game with this Refreshing Green Bean & Feta Medley, which combines crisp, tender green beans with tangy feta cheese and crunchy pecans, all tossed together in a zesty, herb-infused dressing. This vibrant dish is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a delightful side for any meal. The balance of flavors and textures will have everyone asking for the recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh green beans
1.5 lbs (trimmed and rinsed)
olive oil
2/3 cup (none)
white wine vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
dill weed
1 teaspoon (dried)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
chopped pecans
1 cup (none)
chopped red onion
1/2 cup (none)
feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming the ends off the fresh green beans and rinsing them under cold water.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp—bright green and still slightly firm.
3
Once cooked, immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Let them chill for at least 5 minutes before draining.
4
While the beans are chilling, prepare the dressing: in a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, dill weed, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled green beans with the chopped pecans and red onion.
6
Pour the dressing over the green bean mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
7
Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese gently to avoid breaking it up too much. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving for enhanced flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Green Bean & Feta Medley?
It is a vibrant salad that combines crisp, tender green beans with tangy feta cheese, crunchy pecans, and a zesty herb-infused dressing.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 10 main ingredients: green beans, olive oil, white wine vinegar, dill weed, garlic, salt, pepper, pecans, red onion, and feta cheese.
How should I prepare the fresh green beans?
You should begin by trimming the ends off the fresh green beans and rinsing them under cold water.
How long do the green beans need to boil?
The green beans should be cooked in boiling salted water for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
What does tender-crisp mean?
Tender-crisp refers to beans that are bright green and still slightly firm to the bite.
Why is an ice bath used in this recipe?
An ice bath stops the cooking process immediately and preserves the vibrant green color of the beans.
How long should the beans stay in the ice bath?
Let the beans chill in the ice water for at least 5 minutes before draining them.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried dill weed, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
What kind of nuts are included in the medley?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped pecans for crunch.
Is there onion in this green bean salad?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of chopped red onion.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
When should I add the feta cheese?
Fold in the crumbled feta cheese gently as the final step after the beans have been tossed in the dressing.
Why should I fold the feta in gently?
Folding it gently prevents the cheese from breaking up too much and maintains its texture.
Can this salad be served immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately or chill it for up to an hour.
Does chilling the salad improve the taste?
Yes, chilling the salad for up to an hour allows the flavors to enhance and meld together.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is gluten-free.
Is this a good side dish for a barbecue?
Absolutely, its refreshing profile makes it perfect for barbecues, summer picnics, or any meal.
What amount of green beans do I need?
The recipe requires 1.5 lbs of fresh green beans.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2/3 cup of olive oil.
Is the dill used fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill it for about an hour before serving to let the flavors develop.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include salad, vegetable salad, green beans, feta cheese, healthy side, summer salad, easy recipe, and gluten-free.
How do I stop the green beans from becoming mushy?
By cooking them for only 3-5 minutes and immediately placing them in an ice bath.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is trimming and rinsing the fresh green beans.
What is the texture of this salad?
It features a mix of textures: tender-crisp beans, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese.
Is this recipe considered a healthy side?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side and features fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and nuts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the recipe uses 1.5 lbs of beans and a cup each of nuts and cheese, making it suitable for a medium-sized group.