Green Bean, Grilled Nectarine & Feta Salad

Sweet nectarines, salty feta and crisp green beans are one of those combinations that just work. Add a little acidity from pickled onion and a touch of honeyed butter, and you’ve got a salad that’s fresh, savoury and quietly impressive without trying too hard.

Ingredients

• 6 firm but ripe nectarines, cut into wedges
• 400 g slender green beans, ends trimmed
• Salt & Pepper
• A small knob of butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 150 g feta, preferably firm
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Olive oil, for cooking

Method

1. Add the sliced red onion, white wine vinegar and a good pinch of salt to a bowl. Mix well and set aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Heat a little olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the green beans in batches until lightly blistered but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
3. Wipe out the pan, then add a little more oil, the butter and honey. When melted, add the nectarines and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden and just tender. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
4. To assemble, layer the green beans, nectarines and drained red onion on a platter.
5. Crumble over the feta, season with salt and pepper, and serve.