Nothing says festive quite like a bright and flavorful side dish that brings together textures and tastes in perfect harmony. The Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe is exactly that—a vibrant celebration of crisp green beans, creamy feta, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing that feels just right for any holiday table. This salad not only amps up the color but also offers a refreshing burst of flavor that complements any main course beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this salad both accessible and extraordinary. Each component adds its own unique element—from the crunch of toasted walnuts to the bright pop of cranberries and the savory creaminess of feta cheese, every ingredient plays a starring role in this delicious medley.
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed: Provides a crisp, fresh base with vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy, salty richness that balances the sweetness of cranberries.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Offers a chewy, tart burst that brings brightness to every bite.
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped: Gives a toasty crunch and buttery flavor for depth and texture.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Introduces a sharp, zesty kick to contrast the milder elements.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The foundation for a silky dressing that ties all flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Brings a tangy sweetness that lifts the entire salad.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds gentle sweetness to balance acidity and enhance cranberries.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Provides a pop of green freshness and subtle herbaceous notes.
How to Make Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is key to seasoning the beans from the start. Add the trimmed green beans and cook them just 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a bright, gorgeous green and reach that perfect tender-crisp texture that keeps the salad refreshing and lively.
Step 2: Shock the Green Beans
Once blanched, promptly transfer the green beans to an ice water bath. This ice bath stops the cooking immediately and locks in that brilliant color and crispness. Let them chill for about 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly and gently pat dry to avoid watering down the salad.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled green beans with crumbled feta, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion. This combination balances creamy, nutty, sweet, and sharp flavors from the get-go, setting up a well-rounded taste sensation.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified. This easy yet flavorful dressing is what brings everything together, adding brightness and a slight sweetness that complements the ingredients without overpowering them.
Step 5: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently to evenly coat every ingredient. This careful mixing ensures that every bite carries a perfect balance of flavors and textures so that no single element dominates the dish.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give your salad a taste test and tweak the seasoning if needed—add more salt or pepper to make it just right for your palate. Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls, then sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal note. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures at their peak, or refrigerate for about an hour for the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for garnish, adding a vibrant green burst and fresh aroma. You can also sprinkle a few extra toasted walnuts or a few more cranberries on top for added texture and visual appeal—small touches that really make the salad stand out when serving guests.
Side Dishes
This salad is a perfect companion to holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple roasted chicken. The bright, tangy flavors provide a refreshing counterbalance to rich, hearty dishes, while the crunch and creaminess add dimension to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, try serving the salad layered in a clear glass bowl or in individual mason jars for a festive look. You can also spoon it onto a bed of baby greens or arugula, giving you a fresh green foundation that enhances its holiday-inspired colors and makes it feel more like a composed salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two days, though the green beans will stay crisper if eaten sooner. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute any dressing that has settled.
Freezing
This particular salad does not freeze well, as the texture of the green beans, feta, and walnuts can change dramatically. To keep the fresh crispness intact, it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh rather than freezing it.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a slightly less chilled version, simply let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
While fresh green beans yield the best texture and color, frozen green beans can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before blanching to avoid watery salad.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese for a similarly tangy creaminess or even cubed mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind how each will change the overall taste profile.
Are there any nut-free options for this salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for added crunch without nuts. Toasting them lightly will keep the flavor depth intact.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be whisked together a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before tossing with the salad to bring it back together.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe is a delightful way to brighten up any festive meal with fresh flavors and beautiful colors. It’s easy to make, packed with texture and taste, and sure to become one of your go-to holiday favorites. Give it a try at your next gathering—you might just find it stealing the spotlight on the dinner table!
Print
Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and vibrant Holiday Green Bean Salad featuring crisp blanched green beans tossed with tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and zesty red onion, all dressed in a honey-balsamic vinaigrette. This refreshing salad is perfect for holiday meals or anytime you want a colorful, flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Fruits & Nuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to prepare the green beans for blanching.
- Blanch Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
- Cool Green Beans: Transfer the blanched green beans immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then drain well and pat dry with a towel.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooled green beans, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and sliced red onion.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly with the vinaigrette.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if needed to suit your preferences.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor.
- Chill (Optional): Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans helps retain their vibrant color, crunch, and nutritional value.
- To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to save time on the day of serving.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
