Why You’ll Love Garlic Green Beans with Olive Oil and Parmesan Recipe
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Quick and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes
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Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
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Delivers a perfect balance of garlicky, cheesy, and zesty flavors
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A healthy and colorful addition to any meal
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Pairs well with meat, poultry, or vegetarian dishes
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Great for holidays or weeknight dinners
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Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
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Naturally gluten-free
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Can be easily doubled for a larger group
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Tastes great warm or at room temperature
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound green beans, fresh, rinsed, ends trimmed
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the beans are just tender.
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Drain the green beans and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
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Add the cooked green beans to the skillet. Sauté with the garlic and oil for about 2 minutes to combine and coat the beans well.
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Remove from heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
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Add grated Parmesan cheese and toss to coat.
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Taste and adjust salt, if needed. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Use pecorino or asiago cheese instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
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Roast the green beans instead of boiling for added depth of flavor.
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Top with toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for added crunch.
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Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
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Swap lemon juice with white wine vinegar for a slightly different acidity.
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Include cherry tomatoes sautéed with the garlic for extra color and flavor.
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Make it dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan or using a vegan alternative.
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Add caramelized onions for a rich, sweet layer of flavor.
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Mix in cooked mushrooms for a heartier side.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, sauté the beans in a pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second increments. Add a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
How do I keep green beans bright green when cooking?
Blanching the green beans briefly in boiling water and then draining them quickly helps retain their vibrant color. Avoid overcooking.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Just thaw them first and reduce the boiling time since they’re partially cooked.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat before serving. Add lemon juice and Parmesan just before serving for best taste.
What can I serve with garlic green beans?
They pair well with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, steak, or pasta dishes. They’re also great on a holiday spread.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook it on medium heat and stir constantly. Garlic cooks quickly and can burn easily, turning bitter.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely. You can mix in cooked bacon bits, sautéed shrimp, or diced grilled chicken for a more filling side or light main.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, you can roast the green beans with garlic and olive oil at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, then toss with lemon juice and Parmesan.
Conclusion
Garlic Green Beans with Olive Oil and Parmesan is a delicious, wholesome side dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back to it all year round.
