Adding cheese and nuts to a green bean salad makes for creative variations and is a terrific idea. Cheese and nuts add flavor, color, and interest. Whether cubed or crumbled, try feta cheese, a blue-veined cheese, goat cheese, Parmesan cheese, haloumi cheese, or pearl-sized mozzarella balls. For nut options, try chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, pine nuts, and sliced almonds. If you are using both cheese and nuts, be sure the flavors pair well.