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–+ servings
A vibrant green bean salad with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, perfect for Thanksgiving.

Best Thanksgiving Salad Recipes 2025: Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside

This recipe offers a refreshing and vibrant salad perfect for your Thanksgiving table, blending crisp green beans with a zesty lemon-vinegar dressing and salty feta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb fresh green beans rinsed, trimmed
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt divided
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted, halved
  • 3 oz feta torn into chunks

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large bowl
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Salad spinner or paper towels

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Stir in 1/4 cup salt, then add green beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl halfway with ice. Pour in water so bowl is three-quarters full.
  3. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer green beans to ice water. Let sit until chilled, about 10 minutes. Drain and dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined. Let sit 5 minutes. Whisk in pepper. While whisking, slowly add oil until emulsified.
  5. Add beans, onion, tomatoes, olives, and 2 ounces feta to dressing. Using tongs, lightly toss to combine. Top with remaining 1 ounce feta.

Notes

This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead of time. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

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