Green beans are one of summer’s most versatile and delicious vegetables.
Whether you call them string beans, snap beans, or haricots verts, these crisp, slender pods are a staple of gardens and farmers markets during the warmer months.
Their bright flavor and satisfying crunch make them perfect for a wide variety of dishes, from simple sides to hearty mains.
If you find yourself with an abundance of fresh green beans, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled 10 fantastic recipes that will help you make the most of this seasonal favorite.
From classic preparations to innovative twists, there’s something here for every palate and skill level.
10 Easy and Delicious Fresh Green Bean Recipes
1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Let’s start with a simple yet irresistible side dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Roasting green beans brings out their natural sweetness while giving them a delightful crispy exterior.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.
4. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
The combination of garlic and Parmesan elevates these roasted green beans to new heights. They’re perfect alongside grilled meats or as a standalone snack.
2. Asian-Inspired Green Bean Stir Fry
For a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, try this Asian-inspired stir fry. The green beans stay crisp-tender and soak up the savory sauce beautifully.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add green beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
4. Mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
5. Pour the sauce over the beans and toss to coat. Cook for another minute.
6. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and serve over rice.
This dish packs a flavorful punch and can easily be customized with the addition of tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a complete meal.
3. Classic Green Bean Casserole (With a Twist)
No list of green bean recipes would be complete without the beloved casserole. This version updates the classic with fresh ingredients while keeping the comforting essence intact.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then shock in ice water.
3. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms in butter until golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir to combine.
5. Gradually add broth and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
6. Add Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
7. Combine sauce with green beans and transfer to a casserole dish.
8. Top with fried onions and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
This from-scratch version will make you forget all about the canned soup variety!
4. Lemony Green Bean Pasta Salad
Perfect for picnics and potlucks, this bright pasta salad showcases green beans in a refreshing way.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (like fusilli or bow-tie)
– 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 shallot, finely minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last 3 minutes, add green beans.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest and juice, mustard, and shallot.
4. Add cooled pasta and green beans to the bowl and toss to coat.
5. Fold in dill and feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Chill for at least an hour before serving.
This salad has a delightful balance of tangy, salty, and herbaceous flavors, with the green beans providing a satisfying crunch.
5. Green Bean and Potato Curry
Try this aromatic curry that pairs green beans with creamy potatoes for a hearty vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt to taste
– Cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add potatoes, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add green beans and cook for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and garnish with cilantro.
6. Serve over rice or with naan bread.
This comforting curry is a great way to introduce green beans to those who might not typically enjoy them.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
These elegant bundles make a great appetizer or side dish for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thin green beans, trimmed
– 8 slices bacon
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Blanch green beans for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water.
3. Divide beans into 8 bundles.
4. Wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon.
5. Mix brown sugar, melted butter, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
6. Place bundles on a baking sheet and brush with the sugar mixture.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crisp.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
The combination of crispy bacon and tender green beans is simply irresistible.
7. Mediterranean Green Bean Salad
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound green beans, trimmed
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Blanch green beans for 3 minutes, then shock in ice water.
2. In a large bowl, combine green beans, tomatoes, onion, olives, and basil.
3. Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This salad is bursting with Mediterranean flavors and makes a great light lunch or side dish.
8. Spicy Szechuan Green Beans
For those who like a bit of heat, these Szechuan-style green beans deliver a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 2 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns, crushed
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add green beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until blistered.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl.
5. Pour sauce over beans and toss to coat.
6. Garnish with green onions before serving.
These beans are addictively spicy and make a great side dish for Chinese-inspired meals.
9. Green Bean and Mushroom Quiche
This savory quiche is perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 4 eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Blanch green beans for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water.
3. Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden.
4. Arrange green beans and mushrooms in the pie crust.
5. Whisk together eggs, cream, cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour egg mixture over the vegetables.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden.
This quiche is a delicious way to showcase green beans in a breakfast or brunch setting.
10. Green Bean and Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Try this easy sheet pan dinner for a complete meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound green beans, trimmed
– 4 chicken breasts
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Arrange chicken, green beans, and tomatoes on a large sheet pan.
3. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme.
4. Pour mixture over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat.
5. Season everything with salt and pepper.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.
This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and cleanup is a breeze!
From simple sides to complete meals, these recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of fresh green beans.
Whether you prefer them crisp and barely cooked or tender and infused with flavor, there’s a recipe here to satisfy every craving.
So the next time you find yourself with a bounty of green beans, don’t hesitate to try one of these fantastic dishes. Your taste buds (and dinner guest) will thank you!
