Brighten your dinner table with this delicious list of 22 green bean recipes. From comforting classics to inventive twists, these delicious dishes highlight the versatility of this nutritious vegetable. Perfect as a side dish or the star of your meal, green beans are low in calories, rich in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals.
So whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dish or something special for a holiday gathering, I’ve got a green bean recipe that fits the bill. Try these delicious, easy-to-follow recipes and enjoy the vibrant flavors that green beans can bring to your meals.
1. Traditional Green Bean Casserole
A Classic Comfort Dish
Indulge in the nostalgia of holiday meals with this traditional green bean casserole. It’s a dish that showcases the tender, vibrant green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. Enjoy the contrasting textures and rich flavors this comfort dish offers.
The Perfect Side
This casserole is a perfect accompaniment to your main course, whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or a casual Sunday roast. Its creaminess and savory crunch make it a crowd favorite that pairs well with a variety of proteins.
Customize Your Casserole
Feel free to personalize this casserole by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, cheese, or different types of mushrooms to elevate the flavor. Adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and tastes.
2. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
An Easy, Flavorful Side
These sautéed green beans with garlic offer a simple yet flavorful side dish that can be prepared in minutes. The green beans retain their crispness, and the garlic adds a robust flavor that elevates this humble vegetable to a whole new level.
Suitable for Any Meal
This versatile side dish pairs well with almost any main course. It’s light, aromatic, and full of nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your weekday dinner or a special holiday meal.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your palate. Add chili flakes for heat, a squeeze of lemon for acidity, or toasted almonds for extra crunch. This is a basic recipe that you can build upon.
3. Green Bean Almondine
A Classic French Dish
Green bean almondine, or amandine, is a classic French dish where green beans are sautéed in butter and garnished with toasted almonds. The beans are tender yet crisp, and the almonds add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor that complements the beans beautifully.
Impressive Yet Simple
While it may sound fancy, this dish is incredibly easy to make. It’s a quick side dish that adds a touch of sophistication to your meals, impressing your guests with minimal effort.
Play With Your Ingredients
Customize this recipe by adding lemon zest, herbs like parsley or thyme, or spices for a unique flavor profile. You could also experiment with different types of nuts for an interesting twist.
4. Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes
A Burst of Flavor
Roasting green beans and tomatoes together creates a beautiful medley of flavors. The beans get slightly caramelized, the tomatoes burst and create a delightful sauce, and garlic and herbs add a layer of complexity to this simple dish.
Quick and Healthy Side
This dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare and packed with nutrients. It’s an excellent side dish that brings color and vibrancy to your table and fits well into a healthy eating plan.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs, some feta cheese, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can also add other veggies like bell peppers or onions for more variety.
5. Green Bean Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
A Crisp, Tangy Treat
This green bean salad with mustard vinaigrette is a refreshing change from traditional salad recipes. The crisp, blanched green beans pair perfectly with the tangy mustard dressing, creating a salad that’s both flavorful and nourishing.
Ideal for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a light lunch, a picnic, or a dinner party side, this salad fits right in. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served cold or at room temperature, making it great for any occasion or season.
Customize Your Salad
Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. Add additional veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, sprinkle some feta cheese, or garnish with hard-boiled eggs for added protein.
6. Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Almonds
Sweet and Savory Side Dish
In this delightful recipe, green beans meet the sweetness of caramelized onions and the nutty crunch of almonds. The result is a sweet and savory side dish that adds depth and texture to any meal.
A Sophisticated Addition
This dish, with its mix of textures and rich flavors, is a sophisticated addition to your dinner table. It’s equally at home at a fancy dinner party or a relaxed family meal.
Make it Your Own
Experiment with the recipe by using different types of onions, adding more veggies, or substituting almonds with other nuts. This is a versatile dish that you can easily make your own.
7. Lemon-Parmesan Green Beans
Zesty and Cheesy
These lemon-Parmesan green beans are a flavor-packed side dish that’s bound to impress. The beans are tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette and topped with a generous sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese.
Read also: 22 Sandwich Recipes
A Vibrant Side Dish
This vibrant side dish brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your table. It’s a light and zesty complement to heavier mains, and it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for entertaining.
Customize Your Dish
Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or tomatoes to this dish. You can also try different types of citrus or cheese to create a variation that suits your preferences.
8. Spicy Sichuan Style Green Beans
A Flavorful Adventure
Take your tastebuds on a flavorful adventure with these spicy Sichuan style green beans. This recipe delivers a kick of heat, a touch of sweetness, and an umami depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
Perfect for Spice Lovers
If you’re a fan of spicy foods, this dish is for you. It pairs well with a variety of mains, especially Asian-inspired dishes, and can be modified to match your preferred heat level.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different types of peppers or add more veggies to this dish. You can also use less spice if you prefer a milder version.
9. Grilled Green Beans with Gremolata
A Smoky Delight
Experience the joy of outdoor cooking with these grilled green beans with gremolata. Grilling gives the beans a delicious smoky flavor, while the gremolata—a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley—adds a fresh, zesty touch.
Great for Barbecues
These grilled beans are an ideal side dish for barbecues and outdoor meals. They add a healthy, colorful, and flavorful option to the typical meat-dominated grilling menu.
Customize Your Dish
Feel free to swap out the gremolata for other flavorful toppings like a garlic-herb butter, a sprinkle of feta cheese, or a dash of spicy seasoning. You can also try grilling other vegetables along with the beans for more variety.
10. Greek Green Bean Salad
A Mediterranean Feast
This Greek green bean salad is a light, fresh side dish that’s brimming with Mediterranean flavors. It features crisp green beans, ripe tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
Perfect for Picnics
This salad is great for picnics, potlucks, and other get-togethers as it can be served cold or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing and nutritious dish that offers a break from the usual lettuce-based salads.
Make it Your Own
You can easily adapt this recipe by adding other Greek salad ingredients like cucumber, red onion, or bell peppers. You could also try adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
11. Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad
A Colorful Salad
This green bean and cherry tomato salad is a colorful, fresh side dish that’s perfect for summer. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes complements the crispness of the green beans, while a simple vinaigrette ties everything together.
Ideal for Summer Gatherings
This vibrant salad is a perfect side dish for summer barbecues and parties. It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Customize Your Salad
Feel free to add other ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or even grilled chicken to this salad. You can also experiment with different dressings to change up the flavor profile.
12. Balsamic Green Beans
A Tangy Twist
Add a tangy twist to your meal with these balsamic green beans. The acidity of the balsamic vinegar provides a nice contrast to the earthy flavor of the green beans, resulting in a side dish that’s both flavorful and versatile.
A Perfect Side
These balsamic green beans make a perfect side dish to a wide range of mains, from grilled chicken to pan-seared fish. They’re also a great addition to a vegetarian or vegan meal.
Make it Your Own
You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, roasted nuts, or crumbled cheese. You could also try using different types of vinegar for a new flavor experience.
13. Asian Green Bean Stir-Fry
An Eastern Inspiration
Bring the flavors of Asian cuisine to your table with this green bean stir-fry. It’s a quick and healthy side dish that’s packed with umami flavors from soy sauce and sesame oil.
Perfect for Quick Meals
This stir-fry is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a quick, flavorful, and nutritious side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or tofu and a side of steamed rice.
Customize Your Stir-Fry
Feel free to add more vegetables or proteins to this stir-fry, or adjust the sauce to your liking. You can also add a dash of heat with some chili flakes or hot sauce.
14. Green Bean and Potato Salad
A Hearty Side Dish
This green bean and potato salad is a hearty and satisfying side dish. It combines tender green beans and potatoes in a flavorful dressing, making it a delicious alternative to traditional potato salad.
Ideal for Picnics and Potlucks
This salad is great for outdoor gatherings as it can be served cold or at room temperature. It’s a filling and nutritious dish that’s perfect for sharing.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients like olives, capers, or cooked eggs. You can also experiment with different dressings to change the flavor profile.
15. Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms
A Flavorful Combination
Roasting green beans and mushrooms together creates a flavorful side dish with a delightful textural contrast. The beans get a bit crispy, and the mushrooms turn wonderfully juicy and flavorful.
Perfect for Special Occasions
While this dish is easy enough for everyday meals, it’s also special enough for holidays or dinner parties. It pairs well with a wide range of mains and adds a hearty touch to your meal.
Customize Your Dish
Feel free to add other vegetables, herbs, or spices to this dish. Try adding red bell pepper for color, or some garlic and rosemary for additional flavor.
16. Green Bean and Bacon Bundles
A Savory Delight
These green bean and bacon bundles are a savory, salty, and satisfying side dish. The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the tender green beans, making this dish a hit at any meal.
Great for Parties
These bundles make a great party appetizer or side dish, and their presentation is sure to impress your guests. You can also serve them at a fancy dinner party or a casual barbecue.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or sauces for these bundles. Try a sprinkle of brown sugar or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy twist.
17. Green Bean Fries
A Fun Twist
Turn green beans into a fun and healthy snack with this green bean fries recipe. They’re coated in a light breadcrumb mixture and baked until crispy.
Perfect for Snacking
These green bean fries make a delicious and nutritious snack. They’re also a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Customize Your Fries
You can customize the coating for these fries by using different seasonings or breadcrumbs. You could also try making them with a gluten-free or keto-friendly coating.
18. Marinated Green Beans
A Tangy Side Dish
These marinated green beans are a delicious, tangy side dish. They’re blanched until tender, then soaked in a flavorful vinaigrette, infusing them with loads of flavor.
Great for Make-Ahead
This recipe is perfect for meal prep as the flavor of the beans improves with time. They’re a great make-ahead side dish for work lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize the marinade for these green beans. You can add herbs, spices, or other seasonings to suit your taste.
19. Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
A Cheesy Delight
Parmesan roasted green beans are a flavorful, cheesy, and easy-to-make side dish. The Parmesan cheese turns golden and crispy in the oven, adding a delicious layer of flavor to the beans.
Perfect for Weeknight Meals
These beans are quick and easy to make, making them perfect for a weeknight meal. They pair well with a variety of mains, from pasta to grilled meats.
Make it Your Own
You can easily customize these green beans by adding other ingredients. Try adding some minced garlic for extra flavor, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
20. Green Bean and Corn Salad
A Colorful Combo
This green bean and corn salad is a colorful and refreshing side dish. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, making it a healthy and delicious choice.
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Perfect for Picnics
This salad is ideal for picnics or outdoor gatherings, as it can be served cold or at room temperature. Plus, its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onions, or herbs. You can also switch up the dressing to suit your taste.
21. Green Bean and Mushroom Tart
A Gourmet Treat
This green bean and mushroom tart is a gourmet dish that’s sure to impress. The tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and flaky pastry crust make for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Perfect for Brunch
This tart is perfect for a brunch or a light lunch, served with a side salad. It’s a sophisticated dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Customize Your Tart
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients for this tart. You could add some cooked bacon or swap the mushrooms for other veggies. The possibilities are endless.
22. Asian-Style Green Beans
An East Asian Twist
These Asian-style green beans are sautéed with garlic and tossed in a savory soy sauce-based dressing. The result is a flavorful side dish with an East Asian twist.
Great for a Change of Pace
If you’re looking for a break from traditional green bean recipes, this dish is a great way to mix things up. The robust flavors make it a standout side dish.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to adjust the flavors in this dish to suit your tastes. You could add some red pepper flakes for heat, some sesame seeds for crunch, or some honey for a touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
Green beans can be the star of a wide range of dishes. From classic comfort foods like green bean casserole to international flavors like Asian-style green beans, there’s a recipe for everyone. And with the ability to customize each recipe to your tastes, the possibilities are endless.
So next time you’re planning a meal, consider adding one of these green bean recipes to your menu. Not only will it add a burst of color to your table, but it will also provide a healthy and tasty addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t forget to bookmark your favorites for your next grocery shopping trip!
