Healthy Sauteed Green Beans – a super simple recipe

Finding time to make healthy meals that everyone loves can feel like a challenge, right? I know how hectic life can get, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and keeping up with your little ones. But here’s the thing – simple, wholesome meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish that’s quick and easy, I’ve got you covered with this healthy sauteed green beans recipe!

Green beans are a perfect side dish to any meal. These rustic favourites are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great choice to nourish your family. Needing only a few minutes of cooking time, tender green beans are the perfect way to bring some color to the dinner table. I have a few favorite ways to prepare them. Today’s recipe is a delicious sauteed green beans recipe. 

What I love about sautéing French green beans is that it preserves their crispness while bringing out their natural sweetness and flavor. A few simple ingredients make them taste amazing!

Do I need to boil green beans before sautéing them?

Good question! While you can boil green beans, sautéing them is one of the healthiest and tastiest methods. Sautéing lets the beans retain more of their nutrients and keeps them nice and crunchy – not mushy! Boiling or steaming can be great for certain dishes, but for a quick, healthy side dish like this, healthy sautéed green beans are definitely the way to go.

The right seasoning can make all the difference in how your green beans taste. You don’t need a ton of complicated spices. A little garlic, lemon, and maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate your green beans into something truly delicious. It’s all stuff you probably already have in your kitchen! So, if you’re craving a healthy, fuss-free side dish to serve up at dinner tonight, this healthy sauteed green beans recipe is just what you need.

Ingredients

Fresh green beans. The best way to start any green bean recipe. Choose beans with bright green color to ensure freshness. 

Butter. You can substitute for extra-virgin olive oil if you are dairy free. I just really love the buttery flavor.

Garlic cloves. Sauteed garlic is delicious any day of the week, so we’ll make sure to add some to this delicious recipe also. If you are sensitive to garlic, substitute for a small onion or shallot. 

Lemon. We’ll be using both zest and juice. You can also use my lemon powder in this recipe.

Salt and Black Pepper

Optional: Fresh parsley or parmesan cheese to garnish. 

How to Make Healthy Sauteed Green Beans

Prep your green beans. Wash the beans in cold water and trim the ends with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. This step is super quick, and once it’s done, you’re pretty much ready to go!

Heat your pan. In a large skillet, heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. 

Cook the green beans. Add your trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the garlic and oil. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender but still a little crisp. 

Finish with flavor. Once the beans are cooked to your liking, remove from heat. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, then season with a little salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Toss everything together and garnish with grated parmesan and fresh parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This healthy sauteed green beans recipe is perfect for any busy parent who want to serve a nutritious, simple dish without spending ages in the kitchen. It’s quick (just 10 minutes!), full of flavor, and packed with vitamins. The crunch of the green beans is also super fun, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re serving your family a dish that’s full of goodness. 

Tips and Tricks

For extra crisp. Don’t be afraid to leave the green beans in the pan for an extra minute or two for some crispy edges. It’s an easy way to add great texture!

Make it dairy-free. Simply swap out the butter for olive oil to make this dish completely dairy-free.

Add some nuts. For a little crunch, you can toss in some toasted almonds or pine nuts toward the end of cooking. It adds tender-crisp texture and even more nutrition!

Make it ahead. Green beans can be prepped ahead of time. You can trim them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days, so when you’re ready to cook, it’s a total breeze.

Easy Substitutes

Butter or olive oil. If you prefer a richer flavor, go with butter. If you’re aiming for a lighter, dairy-free version, stick to extra virgin olive oil. You can even try avocado oil or sesame oil for a slightly different taste.

Garlic. If fresh garlic isn’t on hand, garlic powder or garlic paste works just fine. I personally prefer shallots, as they’re a bit easier on my tummy. 

Lemon zest. If you don’t have fresh lemons, try and work with my lemon powder (assuming you’ve made some ahead of time). More lemon juice can be used, but zest is a great way to bring a fresh pop of flavor!

So, the next time you’re craving a healthy, easy recipe that’s both tasty and good for you, give this healthy sautéed green beans recipe a try. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal and a great side dish to serve with your holiday meal. Let me know how you liked it in the comments.