Simple Green Bean Salad

Fresh green beans tossed in a bright, lemony dressing with tomatoes, onions, and feta cheese make an irresistible Green Bean Salad! This clean and simple recipe is ideal served as a side dish for a weeknight meal and is always welcome on a holiday buffet.

And if you’re looking for more easy sides, try my Crock Pot Creamed Corn, Southern Candied Yams, or these Easy Scalloped Potatoes.

Green Bean Salad made with fresh bean, tomatoes, onions and feta cheese, tossed into a light lemony dressing is the perfect side dish for any meal!

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Featured Comment

I made this for a family dinner, was looking for something different than tossed salad. This is my new favorite, love it! Not just for summer.
Beth

It’s summer and that means fresh veggies! I couldn’t be happier. On weekends, I love taking a lazy walk through the farmers market to pick out all my favorite fruits and vegetables. One of the goodies that are always on my must-grab list is green beans.

Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Salad

Fresh and Healthy: Made with wholesome, fresh ingredients, this salad offers a healthy and colorful addition to any meal.
Quick to Prepare: With just a few steps, you’ll have a vibrant salad ready to serve in under 20 minutes.
Zesty Flavor: The lemon Dijon dressing brings a tangy, bold flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the mild feta.

Green Bean Salad Ingredients

Green Beans: Crisp and tender, these are the star of the salad. Blanching keeps them vibrant and fresh.
Grape Tomatoes: Adds a pop of color and juicy sweetness.
Vidalia Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor.
Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty, it balances the tang of the dressing beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad and enhances the flavors.
Olive Oil: Adds a rich, smooth texture to the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: The perfect touch of tang and depth.
Garlic: A small but essential ingredient for that savory flavor.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and balancing flavors.

Recipe Swaps And Variations

This salad ecipe is already incredible as-is, but if you want to mix it up, here are a few ideas:

Add Nuts: Try adding toasted almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for a crunch and nutty flavor.
Try a Different Cheese: Goat cheese crumbles make a nice, creamy substitute for feta.
Add Fresh Herbs: Chopped basil or parsley can add a fresh, herbaceous twist.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted red peppers or zucchini would be excellent additions to this salad.

Step-By-Sep Directions

Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 2 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and pat dry with a towel.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the blanched green beans, halved grape tomatoes, thinly sliced Vidalia onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, add lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is well combined.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Marinate and Serve: Let the salad sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

How to Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time

You can also make it ahead of time for covered dish suppers or potlucks. Here’s how I do it:

Blanch the green beans for 2 minutes, then drain. Slice the tomatoes and onions. Crumble the feta cheese and toss everything together.
Mix the dressing in a mason jar.
Place the salad in a container or salad bowl. Nestle the dressing in the container and wrap everything with plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge until you’re ready to head to the party. When you arrive, drizzle on the dressing, toss and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, frozen green beans can work if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and blanch them as you would with fresh beans, though the texture will be softer.

How long does this salad stay good for?

This Green Bean Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the vegetables retain their crispness and the dressing stays bright. However, if you make it ahead, be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What if I don’t like feta cheese?

No problem! Substitute feta with goat cheese for a similar creamy texture, or leave the cheese out if you prefer a dairy-free version.

Serving Ideas

Not only is this green bean salad SO GOOD, but it also has lots of other fringe benefits. It’s great served either cold or room temperature. You can add in all kinds of other ingredients like pasta, CopyKat Honey Baked Ham, Easy Air Fryer Salmon, Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, or Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts.

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If you tried this Easy Green Bean Salad Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!