Fresh Basil and Goat Cheese Salad with Green Beans

A bowl of salad with green beans, lettuce, sliced red onions, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and chopped walnuts.

Fresh Basil and Goat Cheese Salad with Green Beans

This basil and goat cheese salad with green beans brings together creamy, crisp, and fresh flavors in one simple dish. Tender green beans, soft goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette make it an easy side or starter that feels balanced and clean.

Course Salad, Salads

Cuisine American, International

Keyword arugula, balsamic, cheese, creamy goat cheese, crispy, dressing, fry, goat cheese, goat cheese salad, green, olive oil, salad, summer salad, vinaigrette, vinegar, walnut

Prep Time 10

Blanch 2

Servings Servings

Calories 240kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

Ingredients

½ Piece Romaine Lettuce sliced into thin strips
1 Pound Green Beans ends snapped off
¼ Cup Basil Leaves fresh
¼ Cup Red Onion sliced
2 Tablespoons Walnuts chopped
2 Tablespoons Almonds sliced
2 Ounces Goat Cheese broken into small chunks
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon Honey Sugar Free if Possible
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon Salt to taste
⅛ teaspoon Pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Boil salted water, cook green beans for 2 minutes until bright and crisp, then drain, ice-bath, dry, and set aside.
Whisk olive oil, Dijon, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Slice romaine and red onion, trim green beans, and prep basil, goat cheese, almonds, and walnuts.
Toss romaine, green beans, onion, and basil with half the dressing. Top with goat cheese, nuts, remaining dressing, and season to taste.

Notes

Blanch Green Beans Just Right: Cook the green beans in boiling water for just 2–3 minutes, then quickly transfer them to ice water. This keeps them crisp and bright green for the perfect salad texture.
Use Fresh Basil Leaves: Tear the basil gently with your hands instead of chopping. This helps keep the flavor fresh and avoids bruising the leaves.
Crumble Goat Cheese Last: Add the goat cheese at the end so it stays creamy and doesn't melt into the warm beans. This gives the salad a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Dress Lightly Before Serving: Use a light vinaigrette or simple olive oil and lemon mix just before serving. This keeps the ingredients fresh and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.

Nutrition