Thanksgiving in my family always feels like a cozy explosion of flavors, laughter, and the warmest memories. I remember one year, my cousin brought this vibrant cold green bean salad, and it was like a breath of fresh air amidst the rich turkey and gravy. It’s become a staple at our gatherings ever since! This refreshing side dish is not just delicious, but it adds a pop of color and a delightful crunch to the table. Trust me, it’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread, especially when you’re looking for *thanksgiving side dishes cold* that can balance out all those hearty flavors. You’ll want to make this one every year!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked green beans
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of cooked green beans, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of diced red onion. Just imagine the vibrant colors coming together—it’s a feast for the eyes!
- Next, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds a delightful creaminess that perfectly complements the veggies.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar until well combined. This dressing is key, so make sure it’s nice and smooth!
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is your chance to elevate the dish!
- Finally, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly refreshing and adds a burst of color to your Thanksgiving table.
- Super easy to prepare—just mix and chill!
- The combination of flavors, from the crunchy green beans to the tangy feta, is simply divine.
- Perfectly complements rich main dishes, balancing out the heaviness of your Thanksgiving feast.
- Can be made a day ahead, saving you time on the big day!
Tips for Success
To make this salad truly shine, I can’t stress enough the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Seek out vibrant green beans and ripe cherry tomatoes—the flavor difference is noticeable! If you prefer a bit more zing, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for that extra brightness. You can also swap out the feta for crumbled goat cheese if you’re looking to mix things up a bit.
If you’re making this salad ahead of time, feel free to prepare everything except the dressing and feta. Just toss those in right before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh. And don’t forget to taste as you go—adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate. Remember, this dish is all about what makes you smile!
Serving Suggestions
This colorful green bean salad pairs wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Imagine it alongside a beautifully roasted turkey or glazed ham, where the freshness of the salad balances out the savory richness. It also complements creamy mashed potatoes and stuffing perfectly. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, serve it with a hearty mushroom risotto or a nutty quinoa dish. Trust me, this salad will be the refreshing touch your Thanksgiving table needs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers, simply transfer the salad to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal crunch and flavor! Now, as for reheating, this salad is all about that refreshing cold vibe, so I recommend serving it chilled. If you find it’s lost a bit of its zing after a day or two, just drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar or olive oil before serving to bring it back to life!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for this refreshing green bean salad! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, and 12 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, you’ll get 4 grams of fiber, which is always a win at the Thanksgiving table! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a light yet satisfying side that won’t weigh you down, leaving plenty of room for all your favorite Thanksgiving treats!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen green beans for this salad? While fresh green beans are ideal for this recipe to maintain that crisp texture, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to blanch them briefly to keep a bit of crunch!
How far in advance can I make this salad? You can definitely prepare this salad a day ahead of time! Just hold off on adding the dressing and feta until right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Cucumbers, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots would be delicious additions that enhance the crunch and flavor.
What if I don’t like feta cheese? No worries at all! If feta isn’t your thing, goat cheese or even a sprinkle of parmesan can work beautifully. It’s all about what you love!
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes! This refreshing green bean salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for all your guests. Just double-check any additional ingredients or dressings you might use!
Z nadrukami
thanksgiving side dishes cold: 5 Refreshing Favorites
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Składniki
- 2 cups of cooked green beans
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add the feta cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Adjust the dressing to your preference.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Side Dish
- Sposób: Cold Salad
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 12g
- Włókno: 4g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving side dishes cold
