16 Delicious Healthy Green Bean Recipes Nutritious

Ever find yourself staring at a pile of fresh green beans, wondering how to turn them into something spectacular? You’re in luck! Our roundup of 16 Delicious Healthy Green Bean Recipes is here to inspire your next kitchen adventure. From quick weeknight dinners to seasonal favorites, these nutritious dishes promise to keep your meals exciting and your taste buds happy. Let’s dive into the green goodness!

Garlic Roasted Green Beans

Crisp, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant, these garlic roasted green beans are a must-try side dish that complements any meal. Perfectly roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, they’re a simple way to elevate your dinner table.

Ingredients

– 1 lb green beans, trimmed
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Tip: A hot oven ensures the green beans roast instead of steam.
2. In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated. Tip: Use your hands for an even coating.
3. Spread the green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Tip: Avoid overcrowding to ensure they roast properly.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the beans are tender and slightly charred.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Fresh from the oven, these green beans are irresistibly crispy with a punch of garlic. Serve them alongside grilled chicken or mix into a grain bowl for a nutritious boost.

Green Bean Almondine

Tender green beans meet crunchy almonds in this classic side dish. Green Bean Almondine is a simple yet elegant addition to any meal.

Ingredients

– 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the green beans and cook for 3 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
3. Drain the beans and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Tip: This preserves their vibrant color and crisp texture.
4. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts.
5. Add the sliced almonds to the skillet and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden. Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Drain the green beans and add them to the skillet, tossing to coat with the almond mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 2 more minutes until the beans are heated through.
8. Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice. Tip: The lemon juice adds a bright contrast to the rich butter and nuts.
Oven-roasted or steamed, these beans shine with minimal effort. The almonds add a satisfying crunch, while the lemon brightens each bite. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Sesame Ginger Green Beans

Whip up a quick side that packs a punch with these sesame ginger green beans. Perfect for busy weeknights, they’re crisp, flavorful, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2. Add green beans to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and slightly charred, about 5 minutes.
3. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking.
4. Push green beans to one side of the skillet. Add ginger and garlic to the empty space. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Stir in soy sauce and honey. Toss everything together until green beans are evenly coated.
6. Tip: For extra flavor, let the sauce reduce slightly by cooking for an additional minute.
7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
8. Tip: Toast sesame seeds beforehand for a deeper nutty flavor.

Kick your meal up a notch with these beans; their crisp texture and bold sesame-ginger flavor pair well with grilled meats or tofu. Serve them hot for the best taste and crunch.

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Whip up a healthier twist on the classic green bean casserole with this straightforward recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, it’s packed with flavor and easy to make.

Ingredients

– 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup diced onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Tip: This keeps them bright green and crisp.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes until softened. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
5. Whisk together chicken broth, almond milk, and cornstarch in a bowl. Pour into skillet, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Combine green beans and sauce in a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
8. Bake for 20 minutes until top is golden and crispy. Tip: For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes.
The casserole comes out creamy with a satisfying crunch. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or as a standalone vegetarian dish for a comforting meal.

Spicy Sautéed Green Beans

Kickstart your meal with these Spicy Sautéed Green Beans, a quick side that packs a punch. Perfect for adding a spicy kick to any dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2. Add green beans to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes without stirring to allow them to char slightly.
3. Stir green beans, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
4. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss to combine. Cook for 1 more minute.
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Tip: For extra crunch, blanch green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes before sautéing. Tip: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level. Tip: Use a wide skillet to ensure even cooking and charring.

Now enjoy the crisp-tender texture and bold flavors of these green beans. Try serving them alongside grilled chicken or mixed into a grain bowl for a hearty meal.

Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic

Lemon and garlic transform simple green beans into a vibrant side dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add green beans and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
3. Drain beans and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Tip: This preserves their vibrant color.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Tip: Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.
6. Add green beans, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
7. Toss to coat and cook for 2 minutes until beans are heated through. Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving enhances flavor.

Yield crisp-tender beans with a bright, garlicky lemon flavor. Serve alongside grilled chicken or mix into a cold pasta salad for a refreshing twist.

Balsamic Glazed Green Beans

Balsamic glazed green beans are a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. Bright, crisp beans get a glossy finish from a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil.
2. Add 1 lb trimmed green beans to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans start to blister.
3. Push beans to the side of the skillet. Add 2 cloves minced garlic to the center. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat beans evenly.
5. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until glaze thickens and coats the beans.
6. Remove from heat. Serve immediately.

Delightfully crisp-tender beans are coated in a sticky-sweet glaze with a punch of garlic. Try serving them over a bed of quinoa for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Green Bean and Tomato Salad

Absolutely refreshing, this Green Bean and Tomato Salad combines crisp textures with a vibrant mix of flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
3. Immediately transfer beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain well. Tip: This preserves their vibrant color and crisp texture.
4. In a large bowl, combine blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Tip: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
7. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Perfectly balanced, the salad offers a crunchy bite from the beans paired with the juicy burst of tomatoes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or as a standalone dish for a light lunch.

Steamed Green Beans with Olive Oil

Always looking for a simple, healthy side? Steamed green beans with olive oil are crisp, vibrant, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Fill a pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Place green beans in a steamer basket and set over the boiling water. Cover with a lid.
3. Steam for 5 minutes, or until beans are bright green and tender-crisp. Tip: Check doneness by piercing a bean with a fork.
4. Transfer beans to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
5. Toss gently to coat. Tip: Use tongs for even distribution of oil and salt.
6. Serve immediately. Tip: For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Just steamed green beans offer a fresh, slightly sweet flavor with a satisfying crunch. Perfect alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetable platter.

Green Bean Stir-Fry with Tofu

Kickstart your meal with this vibrant Green Bean Stir-Fry with Tofu, a quick, nutritious dish that packs a punch of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 14 oz firm tofu, cubed
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2. Add 14 oz firm tofu, cubed, to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Tip: Press tofu before cooking to remove excess water for better browning.
3. Add 2 cups green beans, trimmed, to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
4. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil over the mixture. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 1 minute to combine.
6. Remove from heat. Serve immediately. Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Tip: Serve over brown rice for a complete meal.

Delight in the crisp-tender green beans and golden tofu, coated in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a vibrant side dish.

Green Beans with Mushrooms and Thyme

Easy to prepare yet packed with flavor, this side dish combines crisp green beans and earthy mushrooms, elevated by fresh thyme.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden.
3. Add green beans, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
5. Remove the lid. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.

Bright and vibrant, the green beans retain a slight crunch, while the mushrooms add a meaty texture. Serve alongside grilled chicken or as part of a vegetarian feast.

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Out of all the side dishes, Parmesan Roasted Green Beans stand out for their simplicity and flavor. They’re a crispy, cheesy upgrade to the usual steamed version.

Ingredients

– 1 lb green beans, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss green beans with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Spread beans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 15 minutes, then flip beans for even cooking.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over beans.
6. Roast for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted and beans are tender.
7. Tip: For extra crispiness, ensure beans are dry before tossing with oil.
8. Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
9. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to allow beans to roast, not steam.

Not just a side, these beans can steal the show. Their crispy edges and cheesy coating make them a hit. Try serving them alongside grilled chicken or mixed into a salad for a crunchy twist.

Green Bean and Quinoa Salad

Zesty and fresh, this Green Bean and Quinoa Salad is a vibrant dish perfect for any season. Packed with nutrients, it’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds

Instructions

1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Tip: Let it sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat for fluffier quinoa.
4. While quinoa cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb green beans and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
5. Drain green beans and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Tip: This preserves their vibrant color and crunch.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
7. Add cooked quinoa, green beans, and 1/4 cup chopped almonds to the bowl. Toss to combine. Tip: Toast the almonds beforehand for extra flavor.

This salad boasts a delightful mix of textures, from the creamy quinoa to the crunchy green beans and almonds. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing side or light main dish.

Green Beans with Toasted Almonds

Versatile and vibrant, this dish brings a crisp texture and nutty flavor to any table. Perfect for a quick side or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes.
2. Add almonds to the dry skillet. Toast for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
4. Add green beans, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are bright green and slightly tender.
5. Return toasted almonds to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1 more minute.

Ready in minutes, the green beans retain a satisfying crunch while the almonds add a buttery depth. Serve alongside grilled chicken or toss with pasta for a hearty meal.

Green Bean and Avocado Salad

A refreshing twist on a classic, this Green Bean and Avocado Salad combines crisp textures with creamy richness. Perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish that steals the show.

Ingredients

– 1 lb green beans, trimmed
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
3. Drain green beans and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Tip: This keeps the beans crisp and vibrant.
4. Pat green beans dry with a clean towel and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
5. Add diced avocados and sliced red onion to the bowl with green beans.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
7. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Tip: Use a folding motion to keep the avocados intact.
8. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Tip: For an extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted almonds.
Dive into this salad for a contrast of textures, from the snap of green beans to the buttery avocados. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or as a standalone dish with crusty bread for scooping up every last bite.

Green Bean and Chickpea Stir-Fry

Overflowing with freshness and packed with protein, this stir-fry is a weeknight savior. Olive oil, green beans, and chickpeas come together for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2. Add green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
3. Tip: Keep the beans moving to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
4. Add chickpeas and garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
5. Tip: For extra flavor, let the chickpeas sit undisturbed for 30 seconds to lightly brown.
6. Pour soy sauce over the mixture. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 1 minute to combine.
7. Tip: Adjust the heat to medium if the skillet gets too hot to avoid burning the garlic.
8. Remove from heat. Serve immediately.

Bright and crunchy green beans contrast beautifully with the creamy chickpeas. Serve over quinoa for a hearty meal or enjoy as is for a light lunch.

Conclusion

Zesty and nutritious, these 16 green bean recipes are a treasure trove for anyone looking to spice up their meal plans with healthy options. We hope you’re inspired to try them out and find your new favorite dish. Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing which recipe you loved the most and pin this article on Pinterest to spread the green bean love!

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