Festive Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta & Cranberries

There’s something magical about a Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries, and Walnuts. Picture vibrant green beans, crisp and fresh, mingling with tangy feta cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. It’s a festival of colors and flavors that dances on your taste buds, making every bite a delightful celebration. This dish is not just a salad; it’s the star of the holiday table, capable of stealing the spotlight from even the juiciest turkey.

I have fond memories of my grandmother serving this salad during our family gatherings. The way she tossed those ingredients together with love made it taste like pure joy. Every holiday feels incomplete without it; the tanginess of feta combined with the sweetness of cranberries and the nuttiness of walnuts creates an unforgettable flavor explosion. Trust me, you’ll want to make this dish for every occasion—you might even find yourself dreaming about it at night!

Sharing this salad at last year’s Thanksgiving made everyone’s eyes pop in delight—especially Uncle Joe, who usually only eats meat.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Green Beans: Look for bright green beans that snap easily for the best texture and flavor.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy tang; opt for high-quality cheese for richer flavor.

• Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart cranberries bring balance; choose unsweetened if you prefer less sweetness.

• Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add crunch; toast them lightly to enhance their nutty aroma.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides richness; use cold-pressed for maximum flavor.

• Red Wine Vinegar: This adds acidity; feel free to substitute with balsamic vinegar for a sweeter touch.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries and Walnuts

Prepare the Green Beans: Start by trimming the ends off fresh green beans. Bring a pot of salted water to boil over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 3 minutes until they turn bright green and tender-crisp.

Shock Them Cold: Quickly remove the green beans from boiling water using a slotted spoon or tongs. Plunge them into an ice bath immediately to stop cooking. This helps retain their vibrant color and crunchy texture.

Toss in Flavorful Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled green beans with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and roughly chopped toasted walnuts. Stir gently so you don’t break up the feta too much.

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this is where magic happens!

Combine Everything Together: Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture and toss everything gently to combine well. Make sure each ingredient gets its fair share of that delicious dressing!

Serve chilled or at room temperature for an ultimate festive experience while enjoying every nibble!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blanching the green beans for about three minutes to keep them crisp. While they cool, prepare your dressing and chop the other ingredients to save time and ensure freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add sliced almonds for extra crunch. A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors even more if you’re feeling adventurous.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it cold or let it come to room temperature before serving again for the best taste.

Reflecting on my first attempt at this salad brings back fond memories of friends raving over it at a holiday dinner. Their smiles were worth every chop!

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most components a day in advance but mix just before serving.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Goat cheese or ricotta salata work well as tasty alternatives to feta.

How do I prevent the green beans from becoming mushy?

Blanch them briefly in boiling water, then plunge into ice water immediately after cooking.

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Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries, and Walnuts

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries, and Walnuts is a festive delight that combines crisp green beans with the tang of feta cheese, the sweetness of cranberries, and the crunch of walnuts. This vibrant salad is not only a showstopper at holiday gatherings but also an easy-to-make dish that bursts with flavors and colors. Perfect as a side or light main course, it will elevate any table setting while bringing smiles to your guests.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
2. Shock them in an ice bath immediately to retain color and texture.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled green beans, feta, cranberries, and walnuts.
4. Whisk olive oil and red wine vinegar in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Blanching
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg