Delight your taste buds with this vibrant Green Bean Fig Salad, a stunning medley of crisp-tender green beans, sweet fresh figs, tangy red onion, and creamy crumbled feta cheese. This wholesome dish is elevated with the crunch of toasted walnuts and a luscious homemade dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Perfect as a light lunch or a show-stopping side dish, this salad comes together in just 20 minutes, blending textures and flavors that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Serve it fresh for a refreshing meal or prepare ahead for easy entertaining. This recipe is a feast for the senses and a must-try for fans of seasonal ingredients and bold flavors!
Start by washing the green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut them in half if they are particularly long.
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant green color. Drain and pat them dry.
Slice the figs into quarters and set them aside. Thinly slice the red onion into half-moon slices.
In a dry skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, sliced red onion, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to coat.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and top with the sliced fresh figs. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
Calories |
1361 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.8 g | 127% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.7 g | 114% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 24.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 2831 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.6 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 74.0 g | ||
| Protein | 30.9 g | 62% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 798 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1828 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.