Enhanced Green Bean and Egg Salad

Enhanced Green Bean and Egg Salad

Dive into a bowl of Mediterranean sunshine with this Enhanced Green Bean and Egg Salad! Bright green beans blanched to perfection are combined with velvety hard-boiled eggs, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives for a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures. Tossed in a zesty lemon dressing that dances with the freshness of extra virgin olive oil, this salad is topped with creamy feta and a sprinkle of aromatic parsley. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it also embodies the essence of wholesome ingredients, celebrating the bounty of seasonal produce. This delightful salad can serve as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, perfect for al fresco dining or a picnic in the park. Historically, salads like this have been enjoyed in Mediterranean cultures for centuries, showcasing the simple yet profound pleasure of fresh ingredients.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Green beans (1 pound, trimmed)
  • Eggs (4, hard-boiled and sliced)
  • Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
  • Red onion (1/4 cup, finely sliced)
  • Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, halved and pitted)
  • Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled)
  • Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons)
  • Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Drain the beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking and preserve their vibrant green color.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked green beans, sliced hard-boiled eggs, halved cherry tomatoes, finely sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to mix the ingredients without breaking the eggs.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is well-coated with the dressing.
  6. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together.
  7. Serve chilled and savor this refreshing salad as a light meal or a delightful side dish.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Salad • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 5 minutes • Calories: 220 • Fat: 15g • Carbs: 15g • Protein: 9g • Sodium: 450mg • Sugar: 3g