Green Beans with Pesto ~
Fresh green beans tossed with basil pesto.
Serve with Lemon Dill Tofu and Herbed Rice.
Pesto Green Beans
I like this recipe because it’s a simple and refreshing way to enjoy green beans. Tossing them in homemade basil pesto adds a burst of fresh earthy flavor that’s perfect for the warmer months. This recipe would also be good with snap peas in the spring or summertime!
How to Trim Green Beans
To trim green beans, start by rinsing them under cold water and then patting them dry. Next, line up a handful of beans and trim off the stem ends with a knife or snap them off by hand. Repeat the process with the remaining beans, and they’re ready to go. Leave them whole or snap beans into bize-size pieces.
Ingredients for Green Beans with Pesto
You will need the following:
- 1 teaspoon salt, for the cooking water
- 1/2 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon Basil Pesto, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated, optional, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Salt – Optional for the cooking water; omit if it doesn’t suit your dietary preference.
- Fresh Green Beans (String Beans) – Fresh is best for this recipe. When selecting fresh green beans, look for ones that are vibrant green in color, firm to the touch, and free from blemishes or spots. They should also snap easily when bent.
- Basil Pesto – Homemade Basil Pesto is quick and easy to make. If you’re not feeling homemade pesto, store-bought fresh works just as well. (Trader Joe’s makes an excellent vegan pesto.)
- Parmesan Cheese - I used Violife brand vegan Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Green Beans with Pesto
STEP ONE: Fill a medium saucepan with water. Set on the stovetop over high heat. Add the salt and bring to a boil. Add the green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes, to al dente consistency. Transfer the hot green beans to a colander in the sink. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.
STEP TWO: Return the green beans to the pan. Add the pesto and toss to coat; adjust the amount to suit your personal preference.
STEP THREE: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Optional Garnishes
Dress up your green bean side dish with one or more of these toppings:
- Fresh Basil
- Grated Lemon Zest
- Drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Toasted Pine Nuts
- Toasted Almonds
- Sunflower Seeds
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Green Beans with Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt for the cooking water
- 1/2 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 1 tablespoon Basil Pesto or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese grated, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with water. Set on the stovetop over high heat. Add the salt and bring to a boil. Add the green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes, to al dente consistency. Transfer the hot green beans to a colander in the sink. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.
- Return the green beans to the pan. Add the pesto and toss to coat; adjust the amount to suit your personal preference.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
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