4 Healthy Green Bean Recipes

Healthy green bean recipes are nutritious because they are high in vitamin C, A, K, manganese, iron, potassium, calcium, dietary fiber, phosphorous and many other nutrients which make them a staple for a healthy diet. In many cases, unfortunately, green beans are served simply as a side dish. The small variety in preparation methods can make children lose interest in eating them. However, there are many tasty and healthy recipes using green beans so you can surprise your family with a mouthwatering meal. All recipes below are based on 4 servings.

Recipe 1 - Italian-Style Green Bean Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 4 sliced tomatoes
• 1 diced mozzarella cheese ball
• 1 tbsp. fresh basil-finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt

Place the green beans in a small pan with sufficient water to cover them and bring to boil. Remove from the heat when the beans are tender. Drain and leave to cool. In a large bowl, mix the chilled green beans with the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Season the salad with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt to taste.

Recipe 2 - Chicken with Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. chicken breasts diced into cubes
• 2 cups frozen green beans
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the garlic. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook thoroughly. Add the green beans, cherry tomatoes and tomato puree. Bring to boil and stir occasionally. Reduce the heat, stir in the basil and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve.

Recipe 3 - "Garlicky" Green Beans with Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lb. green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 2 large peeled potatoes-diced into squares
• 3 sliced carrots
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 chopped garlic cloves
• salt and pepper
• parmesan cheese (optional)

Trim the green beans and cut them in half. Place them in a large pot with boiling water and add salt. Cook for around 15 minutes until they are tender (if you are using frozen beans, it will take less time). Remove from the heat and drain the beans.

In another pan, boil the potatoes and carrots until tender. Drain them and combine with the green beans, adding salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the vegetables in a serving dish.

Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan and sauté the garlic until it brings out its aroma. Pour this sauce over the vegetables. Grate some parmesan cheese and sprinkle on top.

Recipe 4 - Steamed Green Beans with Mushrooms 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. green beans (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper

Steam the green beans on a steamer rack for 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and leave for another 2 minutes. Place the cooked vegetables in a serving plate. In a small bowl, mix the mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture over the vegetables. Serve with parsley on top.