It’s tough to resist green beans in their canned and condensed soup-covered glory come Thanksgiving. But it’s time for the part veggie, part bean ingredient to enjoy a fresh moment in the spotlight. In each cup, you get just 45 calories, a couple grams of protein and four grams of fiber, as well as vitamins A, C, K and B6. So instead of reserving the produce for creamy casseroles only, try these delicious green bean recipes made for side dishes, entrees and snacks.
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9 Delicious Green Bean Recipes You’ll Want to Keep Making
1. Low-Carb Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
Whip up a healthier green bean casserole dish with this rich version that looks and tastes similar to your go-to Thanksgiving side — but without all the fat and calories. Calling for fresh beans, an easy homemade cream of mushroom soup and a topping of gluten-free “bread crumbs” made with almond flour and minced onion, dinner guests will be fighting over the last scoop. At just 160 calories per serving, no one will feel guilty about going back for seconds, either. Photo and recipe: Maya Krampf / Wholesome Yum
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2. Green Bean, Corn and Peach Salad
You know those late summer days when the sun sets and you feel the brisk autumn chill in the air? This refreshing salad channels that sensation and brings it right to your dinner plate. Simply cook the corn and green beans, toss them in an ice bath (to maintain their crisp texture and bright color) and drain. Then mix with peach slices and a citrus-ginger vinaigrette. Photo and recipe: Luci Petlack / Luci’s Morsels
3. Potato and Green Bean Salad with Eggs
Part potato, part Niçoise, this vegetarian salad is all parts delicious. The herbaceous vinaigrette featuring parsley, dill and chives brings all the ingredients together in a refreshing bite. Serving it as an entree? Add grilled tuna. Photo and recipe: Natasha Bull / Salt and Lavender
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4. Baked Green Bean Fries
Slash some of the starch — and calories — but keep loads of flavor. These green bean fries are coated in a spiced-up cornmeal and gluten-free breadcrumb blend, then baked (rather than fried) for a light side swap. Try them dunked in an herb yogurt or skinny sriracha dip for a slimmed-down snack even picky eaters will love. Photo and recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Life by Daily Burn
5. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Side dishes don’t come much easier than this. When your oven is full or when you want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal, throw fresh green beans in your slow cooker alongside onions, diced tomatoes and a couple flavor-boosting ingredients. When you take it out, you have a low-carb, low-cal and low-fuss dish! Photo and recipe: Stephanie Parker / Plain Chicken
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6. Green Bean, Cabbage and Cheese
Think of this healthy cast-iron recipe as a vegetarian lasagna, with bite-sized green bean pieces in place of noodles. To make it an even more satisfying meal, add a layer of beans, ground turkey or chicken breast before sprinkling with cheese. Photo and recipe: Pamela Reed / Brooklyn Farm Girl
7. Green Bean and Potato Curry
Coconut milk and curry powder are two of the Indian-inspired ingredients that make this affordable and easy curry entree taste so rich. It’s proof that takeout-like recipes can be low in sodium yet stuffed with flavor. Green beans and potatoes also add lots of fiber to keep you full. Photo and recipe: Mel / Virtual Vegan
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8. Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Chickpeas and Almonds
This bean and tomato stew is like minestrone with a Middle Eastern twist by way of cumin, slivered almonds and parsley. Pair it with a side of pita and baba ganoush, tzatziki or hummus for a complete Mediterranean meal. It’s one of the most flavorful green bean recipes out there. Photo and recipe: Alissa Saenz / Connoisseur Veg
9. Heirloom Tomato Salad with Green Beans and Chevre
For a new take on Caprese salad, combine heirloom tomatoes, green beans, goat cheese (instead of mozzarella), and any herbs you enjoy. You can also try this same recipe with grilled sweet potato slices in place of the tomatoes. Either way, you’ll get plenty of vitamins, minerals and a plate full of tasty bites. Photo and recipe: Katie Webster / Healthy Seasonal Recipes
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