Are you ready to embark on a delightful culinary journey with our Feta and Slow Roasted Tomato Salad with French Green Beans? This exquisite dish combines the best of Mediterranean flavors, offering a perfect balance of creamy feta, sweet and savory slow-roasted tomatoes, and crisp French green beans. Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a vibrant appetizer for your next dinner party, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of summer to your table.
Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, this salad celebrates the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and those seeking a healthy yet indulgent option.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather these fresh ingredients to create your Simple Feta and Slow Roasted Tomato Salad with French Green Beans:
- 200 grams of French green beans: Choose the freshest beans for a crisp texture.
- 150 grams of cherry tomatoes: Halved, these will be slow-roasted to enhance their natural sweetness.
- 100 grams of feta cheese: Crumbled, providing a creamy and tangy contrast.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar: Offers a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest: Freshly grated to add a citrusy brightness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference.
- Fresh basil leaves: A handful for garnishing and an aromatic touch.
Instructions
Creating this Green Bean and Feta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to bring the dish to life:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
- Trim the ends of the French green beans.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they remain vibrant green and crisp.
- Immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted tomatoes and blanched green beans.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and toss gently to mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this easy feta and slow roasted tomato salad with French green beans.
Tips and Variations
- For an Italian twist, try adding a sprinkle of pine nuts or toasted almonds for extra crunch.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or parsley, to enhance the salad’s flavor profile.
- For a heartier version, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp as a protein-rich topping.
- To make a Green Bean and Tomato Salad Balsamic, increase the balsamic vinegar to 2 tablespoons and add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
- If you’re a fan of lemony flavors, make a green bean and cherry tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette by increasing the lemon zest and adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the vinaigrette.
- For a vegan option, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative or omit it altogether.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value per serving of this vibrant salad:
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
- Protein: 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Calcium: 150 mg
This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to the tomatoes and green beans, while the feta cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein. It’s a nutritious choice for those seeking a balanced meal or a healthy side dish.
Our Feta and Slow Roasted Tomato Salad with French Green Beans is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. The combination of creamy feta, sweet roasted tomatoes, and crisp green beans creates a symphony of taste that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this salad as much as we do. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple family dinner. Don’t forget to leave a comment below to share your thoughts and variations. We’d love to hear how you made this dish your own!
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