Fresh String Bean, Corn & Feta Salad with Lemon and Herbs | Easy Summer Side Dish

Fresh string bean corn feta salad with lemon, dill and parsley. An easy, healthy summer side dish that’s perfect for BBQs and meal prep.

When summer produce is at its peak, simple recipes often become the most memorable. This String Bean Corn Feta Salad combines crisp-tender green beans, naturally sweet corn, creamy feta cheese, and fresh herbs in a bright lemon dressing that celebrates seasonal flavors. Every bite delivers a combination of freshness, tanginess, and just enough heat from red pepper flakes to keep things interesting.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, meal prepping lunches for the week, or looking for a colorful side dish to pair with grilled chicken, fish, or steak, this salad fits the occasion perfectly. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with vegetables, and comes together in less than 20 minutes. Best of all, it tastes just as delicious served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making all summer long.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this vegetable salad deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Quick and easy. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal cooking, this recipe comes together in under 20 minutes.

Perfect for summer. Sweet corn and fresh green beans are at their seasonal best during the warmer months, creating vibrant flavor with very little effort.

Nutritious and satisfying. Green beans provide fiber and vitamins, corn contributes complex carbohydrates and antioxidants, while feta adds protein, calcium, and rich flavor.

Versatile. Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, or enjoy it as a light vegetarian lunch.

Meal-prep friendly. The flavors continue to develop after chilling, making leftovers just as enjoyable the next day.

Beautiful presentation. The bright green beans, golden corn, white feta, and fresh herbs make this salad a colorful centerpiece for any table.

---

Ingredient Breakdown

String Beans

Fresh string beans (also called green beans) provide the crisp foundation of this salad. Cooking them just until tender preserves their vibrant color and slight crunch.

Corn

Fresh summer corn is ideal, but frozen or canned corn works beautifully as well. Sweet corn balances the salty feta and bright lemon dressing.

Feta Cheese

Crumbled feta brings creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly. Because feta is naturally salty, wait to add additional salt until after tasting the finished salad.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

A quality olive oil creates a silky dressing while enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity that ties all of the ingredients together.

Fresh Dill

Dill contributes a fresh, slightly grassy flavor that pairs wonderfully with both corn and feta.

Fresh Parsley

Parsley adds freshness, color, and a mild herbal flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.

Hot Pepper Flakes

A small amount of crushed red pepper flakes gives the salad gentle warmth without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.

Salt

A pinch of salt enhances every ingredient, but be careful not to over-season since feta already contributes plenty of saltiness.

---

How to Make String Bean Corn Feta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Green Beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed string beans and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until they’re tender yet still crisp and bright green.

Drain immediately and allow them to cool slightly. For extra vibrant color, you can briefly rinse them with cold water or place them in an ice bath.

Step 2: Combine the Vegetables

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked green beans with the cooked corn kernels.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Drizzle the vegetables with extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle in the hot pepper flakes and a small pinch of salt.

Gently toss everything until the vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 4: Add the Herbs

Mix in the chopped parsley and fresh dill, tossing once more to evenly distribute the herbs throughout the salad.

Step 5: Fold in the Feta

Finally, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese to avoid breaking it apart too much.

Taste and adjust with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper flakes if desired.

Serve immediately, at room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

---

How to Store the Salad

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

As the salad sits, the flavors continue to blend, making it an excellent make-ahead recipe for meal prep or entertaining.

If preparing the salad more than a day in advance, consider adding the feta just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

This salad is not recommended for freezing, as both the vegetables and feta will lose their texture after thawing.

---

Tips for Making the Best Salad

Don’t overcook the green beans. Crisp-tender beans provide the best texture and vibrant appearance.

Use fresh corn when available. Fresh corn offers the sweetest flavor during peak summer months, though frozen corn is an excellent year-round alternative.

Fresh herbs matter. Dill and parsley add brightness that dried herbs simply can’t replicate.

Taste before adding salt. Since feta is naturally salty, you may need very little additional seasoning.

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Both temperatures allow the flavors to shine, making this an ideal picnic or potluck dish.

Make it a complete meal. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, chickpeas, or white beans for extra protein.

Customize it. Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, or sliced red onion all make delicious additions.

---

More Veggie Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh green beans provide the best texture, but frozen green beans can be substituted if thawed and cooked until just tender.

Can I use canned corn?

Yes. Drain canned corn well before adding it to the salad. Frozen corn that has been thawed or lightly cooked also works great.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the salad several hours or even a day ahead. The flavors improve as they sit in the refrigerator.

What protein pairs well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, steak, turkey burgers, or grilled tofu all complement the fresh flavors beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Simply omit the feta or substitute your favorite dairy-free feta alternative.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. All of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. As always, verify packaged ingredients if preparing for someone with celiac disease.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes. This salad is delicious warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it incredibly versatile.