This vibrant Mediterranean Green Beans with Feta recipe transforms simple green beans into a delicious side dish bursting with fresh flavors. The combination of tender-crisp green beans, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic garlic creates a perfect balance that complements any meal. Quick to prepare and packed with Mediterranean charm, this dish brings together the freshness of vegetables with the richness of quality feta for a satisfying and healthy option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
- Greek-Style with Olives: Add 1/4 cup of Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of dried oregano for an authentic Greek twist that enhances the Mediterranean flavors.
- Herb-Crusted Version: Toss in fresh dill, mint, and basil along with the parsley for a more herbaceous profile that brightens the entire dish.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds in the final step for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the feta beautifully.
Cooking Notes
- Perfect Blanching: Don’t overcook the green beans during blanching – they should still have a slight snap when bitten. The ice water bath immediately stops the cooking process and preserves their vibrant color.
- Feta Quality Matters: Use block feta cheese and crumble it yourself rather than pre-crumbled varieties. Block feta has better texture and flavor, and won’t become as dry when heated.
- Temperature Control: Remove the skillet from heat before adding the feta to prevent it from melting completely. You want it to soften slightly while maintaining its creamy texture and shape.
Serving Suggestions
- Mediterranean Feast: Serve alongside grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken thighs, or baked fish with a side of warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Light Lunch Option: Pair with quinoa or couscous and a simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a satisfying vegetarian lunch.
- Holiday Side: Present as an elegant side dish for holiday gatherings alongside roasted turkey, beef tenderloin, or stuffed portobello mushrooms for vegetarian guests.
Tips
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Blanch the green beans up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply sauté with garlic and finish with the remaining ingredients.
- Seasonal Adaptation: During peak summer, substitute fresh Roma tomatoes for cherry tomatoes, and add a handful of fresh basil leaves for a garden-fresh variation.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil if needed to refresh the flavors.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh? While fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor, you can substitute frozen ones. Skip the blanching step and add the thawed, drained frozen beans directly to the hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
- What type of feta cheese works best for this recipe? Greek or Bulgarian feta in brine offers the creamiest texture and most authentic flavor. Avoid pre-crumbled feta as it tends to be drier and less flavorful than block feta that you crumble yourself.
- How do I prevent the green beans from becoming mushy? The key is proper blanching time and the ice water bath. Blanch for only 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process completely.
- Can this dish be made vegan? Yes, simply substitute the feta cheese with crumbled vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. You can also add extra cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of hemp seeds for additional protein and texture.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Green Beans with Feta recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The combination of perfectly blanched green beans, aromatic garlic, and creamy feta cheese delivers a side dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight side, this versatile recipe brings the fresh, vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your table in just 20 minutes. The balance of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with countless main dishes while standing deliciously on its own.
Green Beans With Feta Cheese
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Mediterranean Green Beans with Feta recipe transforms simple green beans into a delicious side dish bursting with fresh flavors. The combination of tender-crisp green beans, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic garlic creates a perfect balance that complements any meal. Quick to prepare and packed with Mediterranean charm, this dish brings together the freshness of vegetables with the richness of quality feta for a satisfying and healthy option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For best results, use fresh green beans and high-quality feta cheese. The ice water bath is crucial for maintaining the beans’ vibrant color and crisp texture. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference, or omit them entirely for a milder dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blanching, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: green beans, feta cheese, Mediterranean, vegetables, healthy, quick, easy