Green Bean and Feta Salad

Summer weather is here and that means cool side dishes.  Nothing that bakes in the oven all afternoon.  We want something that is crisp, cool and refreshing.  And something different to take to cook-outs and picnics.  I'm not usually a fan of bean salads.  But I do like fresh green beans, and I love feta cheese.  Dill adds a light herb flavor.  It's an unusual combinations, but it works well together.  Chopped green onions and crispy bacon round out the delicious flavors.  Especially if you make it and allow the ingredients to combine with the tangy dressing overnight.  This will be your new favorite Summer side dish!

The Green Bean and Feta Salad Party
(Don't worry if it looks
like a lot of ingredients.  Most of them
go into the dressing.  It's easy!)

In a shaker or jar combine oil,
vinegar and lemon juice.

Add black pepper, dill, paprika,
dry mustard and 1 clove minced garlic.

Shake until combined.  Refrigerate for later use.

Cook green beans in a pot with seasoned salt,
garlic and onion.  Just until tender.

Cool green beans in an ice bath.

Add green onions,  and feta cheese.

Add mayo and sour cream.

Add bacon.

Stir in 1/4 cup of reserved dressing. 
Cover and  refrigerate at least one hour. 
Add more dressing if desired, before serving.

Enjoy!

Green Bean and Feta Salad


1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, thickly sliced
1/2 pound bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled
4 green onions, chopped
4 ounces feta cheese (or more to taste)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream

In a jar combine the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, black pepper, dill, paprika, dried mustard and one minced garlic clove.  Shake well to combine.  Refrigerate for later use.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add seasoned salt, 1 minced garlic clove and sliced onion.  Stir in green beans and cook until just tender.  Drain and place in ice bath to cool.  Meanwhile combine bacon, green onions, feta cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and 1/4 cup reserved dressing.  Add drained green beans and stir to combine.  Chill before serving.  Add more dressing if desired before serving. 

Prep Time:  Approximately 30 minutes     Cook Time:  0 needs to chill at least an hour