Enhanced Green Bean and Red Pepper Salad

Enhanced Green Bean and Red Pepper Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Green Bean and Red Pepper Salad is a delightful medley of crisp green beans, sweet red peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all crowned with tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a homemade vinaigrette that artfully balances the sweetness of honey and the sharpness of Dijon mustard, this salad is a true celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Perfect for sun-soaked summer picnics or as a light side dish at any gathering, this salad pays homage to the Mediterranean tradition of combining wholesome flavors for satisfying meals. The combination of colors and textures will make this dish a showstopper on your table!

Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • Green beans (1 pound, trimmed)
  • Red bell pepper (1, diced)
  • Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced)
  • Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
  • Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled)
  • Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
  • Olive oil (1/4 cup)
  • Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed)
  • Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
  • Honey (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
  2. Drain the green beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked green beans, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the vinaigrette dressing.
  5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  6. For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together.
  7. Serve chilled, garnished with additional parsley or feta if desired, and enjoy the fresh burst of flavors!

Dietary Information

Servings: 6 • Dish Type: Salad • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 5 minutes • Calories: 150 • Fat: 10g • Carbs: 12g • Protein: 4g • Sodium: 200mg • Sugar: 2g