If you’re searching for a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly blends festive cheer with wholesome ingredients, the Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad bursts with crystalline green beans, tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a luscious honey-balsamic dressing. It’s a dazzling addition to any holiday table and a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to bring back year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to making this salad sing with flavor and texture. Each element plays its role, from the crisp green beans providing freshness, to the tangy feta and sweet cranberries adding bursts of character, complemented by the crunchy walnuts that bring satisfying texture.
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed: Crisp and bright, these form the crunchy backbone of the salad.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast that balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: For a chewy burst of natural sweetness and festive color.
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped: Provides a warm, nutty crunch that elevates every bite.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers subtle sharpness and a mild bite to awaken the flavors.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The rich base for the dressing, enhancing flavor and melding ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Brings tangy depth and a hint of sweetness to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A natural sweetener that tames acidity and adds delightful warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright herbaceous note and fresh pop of green to finish the look.
How to Make Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This simple step ensures your beans retain their vibrant color and flavor.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp — perfectly cooked but still with a satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Cool the Beans Quickly
Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. This quick chill locks in that gorgeous bright green hue and helps maintain the ideal texture. Let them cool in the ice water for about 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together the cooled green beans, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion. Each component brings its own texture and flavor, setting the stage for the dressing.
Step 5: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing comes together into a smooth, luscious emulsion ready to coat your salad.
Step 6: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing evenly over your salad mix. Gently toss everything together, ensuring every green bean and bite of feta and crunch of walnuts is beautifully coated in that sweet and tangy dressing.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Give your salad a taste test. Add more salt or pepper if you feel it needs a little boost — this step is your moment to create the perfect balance tailored to your palate.
Step 8: Garnish for Final Touch
Transfer your vibrant salad to a serving platter or individual bowls, and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. The herbal notes and bright green color make the dish pop on the table.
Step 9: Serve or Chill
Serve immediately for a crisp and fresh experience, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Both options deliver delicious results!
How to Serve Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salad’s festive flair with a few extra touches of fresh herbs like parsley or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for additional crunch. Thin lemon zest curls can add a refreshing brightness that complements the tangy feta and sweet cranberries.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs exceptionally well with roasted turkey or chicken, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals. It’s also wonderful alongside a hearty grain dish or a rich casserole, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier flavors on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving the salad in a hollowed-out pumpkin or festive bowl to amplify that cheerful holiday vibe. You could also prepare individual salad cups or jars for easy, elegant portions at a party or potluck. Presentation makes the dish feel even more special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 2 days, though the texture and brightness are best enjoyed within the first day.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because the fresh green beans and feta will lose their texture and flavor upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day after preparation.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to release the full aroma of the dressing and ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this salad?
While fresh green beans offer the best crunch and color, frozen green beans can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or toasted tofu cubes for a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure your dressing is free from honey or swap it with maple syrup.
How far in advance can I prepare the salad?
You can prepare the salad components a day ahead, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to maintain the crispness of the green beans and the texture of the walnuts.
Can I swap walnuts for another nut?
If walnuts aren’t your favorite, feel free to use pecans or almonds. Toasting them first will bring out their flavor and maintain that wonderful crunch.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different. You might want to add a pinch more honey to balance the acidity.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Green Bean Salad with Feta, Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe is such a joyful mix of fresh, sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements that it’s sure to brighten up any festive meal. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated the holidays without it. Give it a go and watch it become your new seasonal favorite!
