1 portion Green Beans Side contains 112 calories, making it a healthy and nutritious choice as a side dish.

Green beans are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They also contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium. Eating green beans regularly may help improve digestion, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

In this article, we'll explore some easy and healthy green bean recipes that you can enjoy as a side dish with any meal.

Easy and Healthy Green Bean Recipe

One of the easiest ways to prepare green beans is to steam them. Simply wash the green beans, trim off the ends, and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender. You can then toss them with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This simple recipe is not only healthy but also very tasty. Another healthy way to prepare green beans is to roast them in the oven. Toss the green beans with some chopped garlic and olive oil, then roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown. For a more flavorful green bean recipe, try adding some lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the steamed green beans. You can also sauté the green beans with garlic and lemon juice for a quick and easy side dish.

Green Beans as a Side Dish for Any Meal

Green beans are a versatile side dish that can be paired with any meal. They go well with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or seared steak. You can also add green beans to salads, soups, and stews for an extra dose of fiber and nutrients. To make green beans even more filling, try adding some protein-rich ingredients like chopped almonds, bacon, or Parmesan cheese. These additions not only add flavor but also help keep you full and satisfied for longer. Green beans are also a great side dish option for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. You can make a healthy green bean casserole or a delicious green bean salad that will impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.

Quick and Simple Green Bean Side dish

If you're short on time, you can still enjoy a quick and simple green bean side dish. One easy recipe is to sauté the green beans with some chopped garlic and sesame seeds. You can also toss the green beans with some soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor. Another quick and simple recipe is to stir-fry the green beans with some sliced mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. You can season with some chili paste or red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat. Green beans are a healthy and convenient side dish that can be prepared in many different ways. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn this humble vegetable into a delicious and satisfying meal.

Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Green beans with garlic and lemon is a classic recipe that never gets old. To make this dish, sauté some chopped garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Finally, squeeze some lemon juice over the green beans and season with salt and pepper. For a fancier version of this recipe, you can also top the green beans with some toasted almonds or breadcrumbs. This adds a nice crunch and texture to the dish.

Best Way to Cook Green Beans

The best way to cook green beans is to blanch them first and then shock them in ice water. Blanching helps to preserve the color and texture of the green beans, while shocking them in ice water stops the cooking process and keeps them crisp and tender. To blanch green beans, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Then remove the green beans from the pot and immediately plunge them into ice water. Once the green beans are cool, drain them and pat them dry. You can then sauté or roast the green beans with your favorite seasonings and ingredients. This method ensures that your green beans are perfectly cooked every time.

Green Beans with Sesame Seeds

Green beans with sesame seeds is a simple yet tasty recipe that you can prepare in no time. To make this dish, sauté some chopped garlic in sesame oil until fragrant. Then add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the green beans and toss to combine. You can also add some soy sauce or rice vinegar to the green beans for an extra burst of flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy side dish that goes well with any meal.

Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole is a classic dish that is typically loaded with unhealthy ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. However, you can make a healthier version of this dish by using fresh green beans and making your own mushroom sauce. To make the mushroom sauce, sauté some chopped mushrooms and onions in a little bit of olive oil until tender. Then add some flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add some vegetable broth and whisk until smooth. Cook for a few minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Next, blanch the green beans and toss them with the mushroom sauce in a baking dish. Top with some whole wheat breadcrumbs and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Green Beans with Bacon and Almonds

Green beans with bacon and almonds is a delicious and indulgent recipe that you can enjoy as a side dish or a main course. To make this dish, fry some chopped bacon until crispy. Then remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. Add the green beans to the same pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Then add some sliced almonds and toss to combine. Finally, crumble the cooked bacon over the green beans and serve immediately. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a family gathering. It is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Delicious Green Bean Salad Recipe

Green bean salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer. To make this salad, blanch the green beans and then shock them in ice water. Then toss the green beans with some cherry tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and lemon vinaigrette. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra boost of protein. This salad is not only healthy but also very tasty.

Green Beans with Parmesan Cheese

Green beans with Parmesan cheese is a simple and flavorful recipe that you can prepare in minutes. To make this dish, sauté some chopped garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Finally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the green beans and toss to combine. You can also add some chopped walnuts or pine nuts for an extra crunch. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy side dish that goes well with any meal.