simple summer side dish...

i have been making (and chowing down on) this easy dish ever since a good friend brought it to share at our fourth of july dinner. makes good use of all the green beans available at the market. only a few other ingredients needed. to top it all off, it can be made well ahead of time. and it tastes absolutely delightful!

green bean & feta salad

1.5 pounds fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

for the vinaigrette:

1 tblsp fresh lemon juice
1 tblsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 tsp dried basil, crumbled
1/ tsp salt
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil

plunge beans into rapidly boiling water; boil about 5 minutes or until tender-crisp. strain and place into an ice-cold stop bath. drain again and pat dry. make the vinaigrette: combine all ingredients, with the last being olive oil. drizzle in slowly while whisking until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

arrange green beans on a platter, top with vinaigrette. sprinkle evenly with feta, onions and walnuts. refrigerate or serve immediately. enjoy!