Feta Green Bean Salad

Lemony Green Bean Salad with Feta

This green bean feta salad is exactly the kind of dish I turn to when I want something light yet flavorful. It’s fresh, bright, and full of contrast—crisp-tender green beans, sweet juicy figs, salty crumbles of feta cheese, and toasted almonds all tossed in a lemony vinaigrette that brings everything together. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful side dish for late-summer gatherings or a quick lunch that feels a bit more special, this salad delivers. Served slightly chilled or at room temperature, it’s ideal for warm days when you don’t want to spend much time cooking but still want something vibrant and satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in about 20 minutes and requires just a handful of ingredients.

What Makes This Green Bean Salad a Standout

• Easy & Quick – A great option for warm‑weather meals when you crave something simple yet flavorful.
• Balanced Flavors & Textures – Crisp beans, sweet figs, tangy feta, nutty almonds, and a bright citrusy dressing.
• Versatile & Crowd‑Pleasing – Ideal for BBQs, potlucks, lunches, or weeknight dinners.

🥗 Ingredient Notes: What You’ll Need for This Feta Green Bean Salad

Here’s a closer look at the simple, seasonal ingredients that make this green bean salad with figs and feta so delicious:

For the Salad:

• Green Beans – Use fresh, crisp green beans. Trim and cut into bite-sized pieces. Blanching them briefly helps lock in their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture.
• Flat Leaf Parsley – Adds freshness and a touch of herbal brightness.
• Feta Cheese – Choose a creamy sheep’s milk feta if possible. Its salty, tangy flavor balances the sweetness of the figs beautifully.
• Fresh Figs – Soft, juicy figs add natural sweetness and a touch of elegance. If fresh figs aren’t in season, you can substitute dried ones—just slice them thinly.
• Toasted Almonds – Provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty richness that ties everything together.
• Hemp Seeds (optional) – Mild and nutty, they add a subtle texture.
• Lemon Zest – Thin strips of zest bring a burst of citrusy fragrance that lifts the entire dish.

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

• Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the feta and almonds.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Smooth and peppery, it makes the dressing silky and helps coat the salad ingredients evenly.
• Honey – Just a touch of natural sweetness enhances the figs and balances the acidity of the lemon.
• Sea Salt – Brings out the flavor of each component.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a gentle heat and depth to the vinaigrette.

🌿 Tip: This simple lemon vinaigrette comes together in seconds and can be used on all kinds of salads. Feel free to double it!

🥄 How to Make Feta Green Bean Salad (Step‑By‑Step)

This green bean salad with feta comes together in just a few simple steps. Here's how:

1. Blanch the Green Beans

Blanching green beans is the key to preserving their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.

To blanch green beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook just until they turn bright green—about 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t walk away! You want them to stay crisp, not mushy.
Once they’re just tender, immediately drain and transfer them to an ice bath (a bowl of cold water with ice) to stop the cooking and lock in that gorgeous green hue.
After a few minutes, drain and pat them dry.

🧊 Tip: This blanching technique works beautifully for many other vegetables like asparagus, snap peas, or broccoli.

2. Make the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

3. Toss the Green Beans

Add the blanched and dried green beans to a large bowl and toss with the lemon vinaigrette so they’re evenly coated.

4. Add the Flavor Boosters

Gently fold in the chopped parsley, fig chunks, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, hemp seeds, and thin slivers of lemon zest.

5. Taste & Serve

Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately for the best texture, or chill for a bit if making ahead.

⏲ Tips, Variations & Make‑Ahead Info

• Make‑Ahead – Blanch beans and prep dressing in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep textures vibrant.
• Variations –
  • Swap figs for peaches or tomatoes.
  • Use walnuts instead of almonds.
  • For a vegan twist, omit feta or use plant‑based cheese and use agave instead of honey.

Final Thoughts

This lemony green bean feta salad is everything you want in a late summer dish—fresh, light, and full of texture and contrast. It’s an easy yet elegant way to enjoy the season’s produce that comes together in just minutes with minimal effort.

Perfect as a side for a simple dinner, a standout at your next picnic or potluck, or even as a light lunch on its own, this easy summer salad is endlessly versatile and always satisfying. The combination of crisp green beans, sweet figs, tangy feta, and bright lemon vinaigrette is one you’ll want to come back to again and again.

If you're looking for a way to elevate your everyday salad routine or impress guests with something a little unexpected, this feta green bean salad is a beautiful choice. I hope you love it as much as I do!