Refreshing Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds & Feta

Welcome to a truly delightful and vibrant side dish! This crisp green bean salad combines tender-crisp green beans with crunchy toasted almonds and salty feta cheese. It’s all brought together with a bright, zesty lemon vinaigrette. This fresh, vibrant green bean salad is incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for any meal or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Salad

This delightful green bean salad offers so much to love, making it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation.

• Fresh & Vibrant Flavors: Enjoy the lively combination of crisp green beans, bright lemon, and savory feta. It truly awakens your palate with every single bite.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: You can whip up this elegant side dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. It requires minimal cooking skills, ideal for beginners.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and protein, this salad is both nutritious and incredibly filling. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more greens into your diet.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a simple weeknight side, a potluck dish, or a sophisticated addition to your holiday table, this green bean salad fits right in. Its vibrant colors and flavors always impress.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare much of this salad in advance, and then assemble it right before serving for maximum freshness. This makes entertaining a breeze and helps manage your time effectively.

Ingredients for Green Bean Salad

Gather these fresh, simple ingredients to create your refreshing green bean salad. Each component plays a crucial role in building the vibrant flavors of this dish.

• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2 to 3-inch long pieces
• ¼ cup water
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 small-to-medium clove garlic, minced
• Several twists of freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
• 3 to 4 large basil leaves, torn or chopped, for garnish
• Lemon zest from about ½ lemon, for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this green bean salad recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Green Bean Varieties: Feel free to use haricots verts for a more delicate texture, or even frozen green beans if fresh are unavailable (ensure they’re thawed and patted dry). Fresh is always best for optimal crunch.
• Alternative Nuts: If almonds aren’t your favorite, toasted pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts make excellent substitutes. Toast them until golden for the best flavor.
• Feta Cheese Substitutes: Crumbled goat cheese or cotija cheese offer similar salty, tangy notes if feta is not an option. You could also use a shaving of Parmesan for a different cheesy kick.
• Other Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or mint would also complement the flavors wonderfully. Experiment to find your favorite herbaceous addition to this green bean dish.
• Adding Different Vegetables: Consider tossing in halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, or thinly sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch. These additions make the green bean salad even more robust.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools to make this fantastic green bean salad. Gather these basic kitchen essentials for a smooth cooking process.

• A large skillet or pan with a lid for cooking the green beans.
• Small and medium mixing bowls for preparing the dressing and cooling ingredients.
• A whisk for emulsifying the dressing and tongs for easy tossing.
• A serving platter or large bowl to beautifully present your finished dish.

How to Make Green Bean Salad

Creating this delicious green bean salad is straightforward with our easy-to-follow steps. Pay attention to each stage for the best results, ensuring perfect textures and vibrant flavors.

Start with a large skillet placed over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds to the dry skillet and begin to cook them, stirring frequently to prevent burning. After about 3 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue stirring until the almonds become fragrant and start to turn golden around the edges, which usually takes an additional 1 to 3 minutes. Promptly transfer the toasted almonds to a separate bowl to cool completely, preventing them from overcooking.

Ensure the heat is set to medium-low before returning the skillet to the burner. Immediately add the trimmed green beans, ¼ cup of water, and ¼ teaspoon of the fine sea salt into the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the green beans, stirring them occasionally, until they are nearly tender-crisp, which typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the lid, raise the heat to medium-high, and continue to cook until all the liquid evaporates, usually within 2 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the perfectly cooked green beans aside.

Meanwhile, while the green beans are cooking, prepare your flavorful dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, several twists of freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing looks emulsified. Set this vibrant dressing aside.

Once the green beans are done cooking and have cooled slightly, whisk the olive oil mixture once more to ensure it’s fully combined. Pour the dressing evenly into the skillet with the green beans. Return the cooled toasted almonds to the skillet, and add about half of the crumbled feta cheese, making sure to reserve the other half for garnish. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the green beans, almonds, and feta are thoroughly coated with the delicious dressing. Take a moment to taste the salad and add more lemon juice or black pepper if you feel it needs an extra kick of flavor. This simple green bean salad is almost ready.

Transfer the combined green beans, almonds, and feta to a beautiful serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the green bean salad. Distribute the torn or chopped fresh basil leaves over the salad for a fragrant and colorful garnish. Finally, lightly grate some fresh lemon zest over the entire dish, adding a burst of aromatic citrus. Serve this refreshing green bean salad promptly, or chill it for later enjoyment.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect green bean salad is easy with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you master the dish and troubleshoot any common issues.

• Perfectly Cooked Green Beans: Aim for tender-crisp green beans by not overcooking them; they should still have a slight bite. Immediately stop cooking once they reach this stage to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
• Cooling Beans Quickly: To preserve the bright green color, you can plunge cooked beans into an ice bath for a minute. Then drain them well before tossing them with the dressing.
• Even Almond Toasting: Keep a close eye on the almonds as they can burn quickly. Stir them constantly and reduce the heat as soon as they start to color, ensuring an even golden toast.
• Dressing Balance & Seasoning: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the lemon, salt, and pepper to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor profile in your green bean salad.
• Preventing Soggy Salad: If making ahead, add the toasted almonds and feta right before serving to maintain their texture. This also applies to the dressing if you want the green beans to remain super crisp.
• Taste-Testing and Adjusting: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings at every stage. A pinch more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of pepper can elevate the final taste significantly.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile green bean salad is delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with various main courses. Learn how to store leftovers and explore creative variations.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with grilled chicken or fish: The fresh flavors perfectly complement lighter protein dishes.
• Serve alongside roasted meats: It cuts through the richness of beef, pork, or lamb.
• Suggest as a potluck dish: Its vibrant appearance and crowd-pleasing taste make it a hit.
• Recommend for picnics or BBQs: This salad travels well and is a refreshing addition to outdoor meals.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftover green bean salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The salad will keep well for up to 3 days, though the almonds may soften slightly over time.
• To refresh, you can add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of new toasted almonds before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Suggest adding cherry tomatoes: Halved sweet cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and juiciness to your green bean salad.
• Recommend different cheese types: Try shaved Parmesan, crumbled goat cheese, or even small mozzarella balls for a different cheesy dimension.
• Propose a different vinaigrette base: A red wine vinaigrette or a balsamic glaze can offer an alternative flavor profile.
• Suggest adding grilled corn: Sweet grilled corn kernels bring a smoky, sweet element to the dish.
• Explore incorporating bacon or pancetta: Crispy bits of bacon or pancetta add a savory, smoky depth that everyone loves.
• Offer a vegan adaptation: Simply omit the feta cheese for a delicious dairy-free version of this vibrant green bean salad.

Green Bean Salad Nutrition

This green bean salad is not only delicious but also packed with nourishing ingredients. It offers a healthy balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins.

The nutrient profile of green beans highlights their role in a balanced diet. Green beans provide a great source of fiber and vitamins C and K, supporting digestive health and immunity. The extra virgin olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The American Heart Association provides further insights into how monounsaturated fats can benefit cardiovascular health. Feta cheese and almonds add beneficial protein and healthy fats, promoting satiety and muscle health. Overall, this salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutrient-rich and satisfying dish.

Green Bean Salad FAQ

Get quick answers to common questions about making and enjoying your green bean salad.

• Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, you can. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking to prevent excess water from making your delicious green bean salad soggy.
• How far in advance can I make this salad? You can prepare the green beans and dressing up to a day ahead. Store them separately, then combine and add almonds and feta just before serving for the best texture.
• What other vegetables pair well? Cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or even cooked asparagus can be lovely additions to this versatile salad.
• Can I make it dairy-free? Absolutely. Simply omit the feta cheese from the recipe for a flavorful and refreshing dairy-free green bean salad.
• Is it good warm or cold? This salad is fantastic served both warm, right after preparation, or chilled from the refrigerator. It truly is delicious either way, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

This Refreshing Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds & Feta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Its crisp texture, vibrant colors, and balanced taste make it an instant favorite for any meal. We encourage you to whip up this incredible green bean salad today and discover just how easy and satisfying healthy cooking can be. Enjoy sharing this fresh, delightful dish with your loved ones!

This vibrant green bean salad features crisp-tender green beans, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to holiday meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Healthy, Vegetarian

Calories: 270

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
• 3 to 4 leaves fresh basil, torn or chopped, for garnish
• Lemon zest from about 1/2 lemon, for garnish
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet with lid
• Mixing bowls (small and medium)
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Serving bowl or platter

Method

 

1. Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, then reduce to medium-low and continue until golden (1–3 more minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add green beans, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cover and cook 7–10 minutes, until almost tender-crisp. Remove lid, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until water evaporates (2–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, remaining salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
4. Once green beans have cooled slightly, pour the dressing over them. Add cooled almonds and half the feta. Gently toss to coat.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Top with remaining feta, fresh basil, and lemon zest. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

Use fresh green beans for best texture. Substitute almonds with walnuts, pine nuts, or pecans. Feta can be swapped for goat cheese, cotija, or Parmesan. Add cherry tomatoes, red onions, or bell peppers for more flavor and color. For a vegan version, omit feta. Prepare green beans and dressing in advance but combine just before serving to maintain freshness.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com