Marinated Green Beans with Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta

Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

• 2  pounds  fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  salt, divided
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4  cup  olive oil
• 1  cup  kalamata olives, sliced
• 2  tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 2  tablespoons  red wine vinegar
• 1  tablespoon  fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper
• 2  (4-ounce) packages crumbled feta cheese
• Garnish: fresh oregano sprigs

Preparation

Place beans in boiling water seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt; cook 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain. Plunge beans into ice water to stop the cooking process. Place in a shallow serving dish.

Cook garlic in hot oil in a skillet over medium heat 30 seconds or just until fragrant; remove from heat. Stir in olives, next 4 ingredients, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour mixture over beans, tossing to coat. Chill at least 3 hours or overnight. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Garnish, if desired.