Teresa's Recipes
Vibrant Green Bean and Zucchini Salad with Feta
Experience the essence of summer with this vibrant Green Bean and Zucchini Salad, a delightful medley that captures the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean. Crisp-tender green beans and tender zucchini are lovingly tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, zesty red onion, and crumbled creamy feta cheese. A zesty Dijon vinaigrette brings everything together, creating a salad that not only dazzles the eyes with its colorful presentation but also excites the palate with a symphony of textures and flavors. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at barbecues, or a picnic in the park, this dish is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Historically, salads like this have been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, highlighting the region's rich agricultural heritage and the importance of fresh produce in everyday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, trimmed Green beans
- 2 medium, sliced Zucchini
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 medium, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1/2 cup, crumbled Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Drain the beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked green beans, sliced zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a zesty vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy the refreshing taste of summer!
Tips
- For added protein, consider tossing in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Feel free to customize the salad with other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served alongside a light pasta dish for a complete meal.