10 Tasty Green Bean Recipes That Go Beyond the Casserole

April 22, 2024

Courtesy of Healthy Seasonal Recipes

Green beans are probably best known for casseroles, but they don’t need all those other ingredients to taste great. They’re fresh and crisp — and they’re a good source of folate and potassium, so they can help fight inflammation. So finding delicious and quick green bean recipes is good for getting dinner on the table and your health, too.

Plus, green beans are easy to cook, and abundant in grocery stores and farmers markets. They’re budget friendly, too. So grab some green beans on your next shopping trip. Whether you fry, roast, grill, or steam, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy these healthy veggies.

You asked: What can I add to green beans for flavor?

Not only can green beans stand up to just about any cooking technique, they also work with many different flavors. As you’ll see in this collection of green bean recipes, you can make them spicy or tangy, season with Asian-inspired or Mediterranean flavors, or prepare simply with garlic and lemon.

1. Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

With just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, you can have these savory and satisfying green beans on the table stat. Roasting the beans enhances their natural sweetness, and also crisps up the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve this dish hot from the oven with your favorite chicken, pork tenderloin, or fish dish, or with another vegetarian item.

Try this recipe from I Wash You Dry.

2. Green Beans with Corn

A dish you can serve hot or cold is so convenient, and this one, which combines green beans with corn, is also a crowd pleaser. Toss the vegetables in a simple dressing made from olive oil, cider vinegar, and shallot, and you’re good to go. Top it with chopped fresh herbs, if you have any on hand.

Try this recipe from Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

3. Copycat PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans

For those who love a touch of heat, these spicy green beans inspired by PF Chang’s are a must-try. The combination of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes adds a delicious kick to this healthy dish. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Try this recipe from Savory Experiments.

4. Green Beans and Mushrooms

Mushrooms add earthiness and a hit of umami to this quick and easy dish. Just a touch of soy sauce combined with a little butter add depth and richness. This tasty side also gives you a good amount of vitamin C and fiber.

Try this recipe from Jessica Gavin.

5. Greek Green Bean Salad

This refreshing salad adds green beans to a roster of traditional Mediterranean diet ingredients, such as olives, tomatoes, and feta. Enjoy it as is as a healthy lunch option, serve it with grilled chicken or fish, or bring it to a potluck.

Try this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

6. Black Pepper Tofu with Green Beans

Many green bean recipes are sides, but here the veggie takes center stage, alongside tofu. This Asian-inspired dish is crisp, rich, and spicy, with ginger, shallots, soy sauce, and, of course, a generous amount of black pepper. Serve it with rice (regular or cauliflower rice) to round out the meal.

Try this recipe from Short Girl Tall Order.

7. Roasted Green Beans

With just 5 minutes of prep and a few simple ingredients, this recipe is a gift on busy weeknights. You can air fry these beans instead of roasting, if you prefer. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; chop them up and add to an egg or tofu scramble,

Try this recipe from Nom Nom Paleo.

8. Grilled Green Beans

We love tossing everything on the grill at dinnertime, and you can add green beans to the list of foods that work beautifully this way. The heat from the grill and the caramelization add tons of flavor, so you don’t need a lot of other ingredients. Plus, they’re ready in just a few minutes. Try these alongside burgers, or whichever protein you’re grilling.

Try this recipe from A Couple Cooks.

9. Pasta with Green Beans and Pesto

Pasta with pesto is one of our favorite combos — not only is it delicious, but it’s also so fast and simple to throw together. Quickly blanch the green beans in a pot of boiling water, use a strainer to pull them out and toss into ice water to stop cooking, then add the pasta to the same hot water to cook. So easy, and cleanup is a breeze, too.

Try this recipe from Skinny Ms.

10. Green Beans Almondine

This dish is classic for a reason: The combo of green beans, shallots, garlic, lemon, butter, and sliced almonds is so simple yet sophisticated. Bonus: This is also an easy dish that’s quick enough for weeknights, but elegant enough to serve at a party. It goes well with just about any protein, too.

Try this recipe from A Beautiful Plate.