These simple balsamic green beans are the perfect side dish any time of year. They are particularly good with steak and perfect for ham or lamb at Easter.
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Looking for an easy, flavorful side dish that works for weeknights and holiday dinners alike? These simple balsamic green beans come together in minutes with fresh green beans, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a touch of garlic. They’re naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for serving along with chicken, steak, bbq, or on your holiday table. If you need a quick vegetable side that looks elegant but takes almost no effort, this balsamic green beans recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients
Green Beans – Fresh green beans are the best but you can use frozen if necessary. The Trader Joe’s Haricot Vert is a favorite frozen one.
Garlic Cloves – Just a few garlic cloves either minced or grated gives a nice flavor.
Olive Oil – Use your favorite good quality olive oil here it makes all the difference.
Balsamic Vinegar – Use your favorite balsamic vinegar here.
Salt – Use fine sea salt
Black Pepper – For additional flavor
Instructions
1. If using fresh green beans make sure the ends are trimmed, then cook them in boiling water until tender.
2. Once they are cooked, drain them then add them to a bowl. Immediately add some minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix together so the beans are covered in the vinegar mixture.
3. Taste and adjust the flavoring, sometimes, it needs more vinegar or a bit more salt. If you let it sit for a bit give it a good stir before serving to ensure that more of the vinegar coats the green beans.
Serving Suggestions
Steak
Lamb
Ham
Holiday Dinner
Substitutions
- You can use frozen green beans if needed, especially in the fall and winter.
- Substitute in red wine vinegar for the balsamic vinegar.
- You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
Storage
Store the green beans wrapped in the refrigerator up to one day. To re-heat simply warm the green beans in the microwave or stovetop.
Balsamic Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh green beans, ends trimmed if needed
- 2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large stockpot of water to boil.
- While the water is coming to a boil, rinse the green beans, then trim the ends off if necessary.
- Mince the garlic cloves, then set aside.
- Once the water has boiled, add the green beans and bring the water back to a boil. Cook until they are fork tender about 5-10 min.
- Once cooked drain the green beans, then add them to a large bowl or platter. Sprinkle them with garlic, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix well and taste adding more salt and pepper or vinegar or oil as necessary.
