There aren’t many vegetables that are as versatile and satisfying as the crisp-tender green bean. I’ve rounded up 12 unique green beans recipes that showcase its versatility and willingness to take on just about any flavor.
In addition to these unique green bean recipes, we’ve got a great tutorial on how to blanch green beans.
What’s the Difference Between Green beans and Haricot Verts?
Haricot verts are a French variety of green beans. They’re long, thin, and more tender than the conventional green bean variety. They also tend to have a more robust flavor.
Green beans are what you usually find in the bulk produce bin or nowadays sold in steamable plastic bags. Green beans, also called Blue Lake Beans are the type of bean most often sold frozen and canned. Unlike haricot verts, they’re stout—shorter, fatter, and hardier.
Go-To Flavor Pairings for Green Beans
- almonds
- bacon
- herbs: basil, dill, marjoram, parsley, tarragon, thyme
- butter
- Parmesan cheese
- cumin
- hard-cooked eggs
- lemon
- olives
- olive oil
- allium vegetables: shallots, garlic, onion
- tomatoes
- vinegar
How to Store Fresh Green Beans
Store green beans in a resealable zipper-lock bag or plastic product bag in the crisper drawer for up to 7 days.
When are Green Beans In Season?
Green beans are in season May through September, though green beans can be found year-round is most supermarkets. During peak season, check out your farmers’ market for the best and freshest green beans.
About the Recipes
Let’s get into the green bean recipes! These are some of the most unique and interesting green bean recipes from some of my most trusted recipe resources. Let me know if you make any of them and leave a comment below with your favorite way to enjoy crisp-tender green beans!
12 Unique Green Bean Recipes
Let green beans shine in these delicious and interesting recipes!
Green Bean Casserole Salad
Two birds with one stone? Could be! This Green Bean Casserole Salad is loaded with the flavors of green bean casserole—just made lighter, fresher, and frankly more interesting.
Sometimes a vegetable as perfect as green beans just needs a few ingredients to bring it to life. Lemon, Dijon, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese are the perfect list of ingredients to bring green beans to life.This simple green bean dish satisfies every time.
Blanched green beans get tossed with a bold vinaigrette, tons of fresh herbs and briny olives. This recipe does what a side dish should—brings balance, freshness and a bit of acid.
Photo Credit:www.seriouseats.com
Sautéed Green Beans With Mushrooms and Caramelized Cipollini Onions
A delicious side dish from J. Kenji López-Alt that brings all the flavors of a classic green bean casserole without a stint in the oven. This recipe gives the classic flavor profile (green beans, mushrooms and onions) a modern stove-top take that’s fresh yet flavor-forward.
Photo Credit:themodernproper.com
Green Beans with Apples and Sage Butter
Is there a better flavor combo than apples, sage, and pecans? I think not. Tossed with buttery green beans and you’re in VIP side dish territory. Even better these are super quick and easy.
Photo Credit:playswellwithbutter.com
Prosciutto Wrapped Green Bean Casserole Bundles
It just doesn’t get more fun than these! Everyone at the table gets their own little green bean casserole bundle featuring crispy prosciutto, creamy mushroom sauce, and ofcourse crispy fried onions. These are genius!
Photo Credit:www.bonappetit.com
Blistered Green Beans with Garlic
Inspired by Sischuan-style dry-fried green beans, this recipe is sure to shock the taste buds. Charred and packed with spicy, garlicky flavor, this dish is a “flavor bomb.”
Photo Credit:iamafoodblog.com
Miso Dijon Green Bean Mushroom Salad
A must-make side dish from I Am a Food Blog! This dish features both green beans and snap peas (though you could use all green beans) and has incredible depth of flavor thanks to a combination of white miso, Dijon and sesame oil.
Photo Credit:www.ambitiouskitchen.com
The Best Healthy Green Bean Casserole
A tried and true classic gets a healthy upgrade. Unlike the traditional dish, this healthy green bean casserole is made with FRESH green beans and it makes all the difference.
Photo Credit:www.forkinthekitchen.com
Spicy Asian Green Beans
Spicy and savory, this easy green bean recipe brings the flavor (and heat)!
Healthy French Potato Salad with Dill
Loaded with fresh flavors from dill and chives, this super simple potato and green bean salad is a solid side dish year-round.
Photo Credit:www.rachelcooks.com
Pickled Green Beans
Crisp and tangy, pickled green beans are the perfect addition to any charcuterie board, bloody mary bar, or simply for snacking.
Looking for more side dish recipes? Check out our Side Dish Recipe Archive. Here at ZK we cook healthy-ish so you can expect more veggie-forward recipes like the ones listed above.
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About The Author
Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.
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