If you think green beans are boring, these Balsamic Green Beans are here to prove you wrong! Garlicky, tangy, and topped with creamy feta, they’re the perfect side dish you didn’t know you needed.
It honestly NEVER fails. Every single time I make green beans—whether I’m grilling them on the BBQ or serving them up with some crispy crumbled bacon—I’m always reminded of just how good they are. It’s easy to walk past the green beans at the grocery store in favour of grabbing broccoli or cauliflower instead, but trust me, they, too, deserve a spot in your cart.
Especially when you make them like this: tender, garlicky, and coated in a balsamic glaze with a sprinkle of feta and toasted slivered almonds. I mean, it tastes as elegant as it sounds, pairs SO well with SO many different mains, and comes together in just 15 minutes! So, if you ever thought green beans were boring, this might just be the recipe to change your mind!
These balsamic green beans check off so many boxes! We have the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar, the creaminess of the feta cheese, the crunch factor from the toasted slivered almonds, and the tang from the Dijon mustard. Add in a hint of garlic and the tender, perfectly-cooked green beans, and you’ve got a side dish that is so good, you’ll think twice before walking past them in the grocery store again!
So whether you’re serving these balsamic green beans up with a juicy steak, tossing them into a grain bowl, or just enjoying them as a snack, I know you’re going to love them! And something tells me that once you try them, green beans will be making it onto your shopping list every single week.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE BALSAMIC GREEN BEANS
These green beans with balsamic vinegar are packed with flavour and texture, making it the perfect side dish to complement any meal. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory elements will have you rethinking what green beans can be. Here’s a closer look at what makes these ingredients come together so perfectly:
- Fresh Green Beans: Well, duh! Green beans are the star of this dish! Their natural crunch and mild flavour provide the perfect base for the bold flavours of balsamic vinegar and feta. They’re also a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice for any meal. PRO TIP: Be sure to trim the ends before cooking to ensure they’re tender and easy to eat.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth of flavour to this dish. It also helps sauté the garlic, releasing its aroma and infusing the oil with a delicious taste. Olive oil is a healthier fat that provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Garlic: Brings a savory, aromatic kick to the dish. When sautéed, it becomes soft and fragrant, adding a layer of flavour that complements the tang of the balsamic vinegar and the creaminess of the feta. Garlic is also packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The key ingredient that ties everything together. Its rich, sweet, and tangy flavour enhances the green beans and balances the saltiness of the feta and the richness of the olive oil. Balsamic vinegar is also known for its ability to add a touch of elegance to simple dishes making it the perfect addition to this simple recipe.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the balsamic glaze. It helps to emulsify the vinegar and oil, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the green beans perfectly. Plus, it gives the dish a bit of sharpness, balancing out the sweetness of the balsamic.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a creamy, salty contrast to the dish. Its crumbly texture and tangy flavour complement the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar and the garlic. Feta adds richness without overwhelming the other ingredients, making it the perfect topping. You can use goat cheese, parmesan cheese, or even ricotta cheese instead, if you prefer.
- Slivered Almonds: Provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender green beans. Toasting them enhances their nuttiness, giving the dish a richer flavour and an extra layer of texture. Almonds are also a good source of healthy fats and protein.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavours together. The salt enhances the natural flavours of the green beans, while the pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity. Adjust these seasonings to taste for the perfect balance.
HOW TO MAKE BALSAMIC GREEN BEANS (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this quick and easy side dish recipe in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Trim the green beans. Simply line them up and cut off the tough, woody tips with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. For an even quicker method, you can snap the ends off by hand—just bend the beans gently until they break. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in texture and presentation!
- Don’t overcook the green beans. Green beans should be tender but still have a slight crunch. Overcooking them will result in mushy beans. The best way to avoid this is by blanching them in boiling water for just 2-3 minutes and then quickly transferring them to ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them bright green and crisp!
- Toast the almonds for extra flavour. I’m a firm believer in this!!! Toasting the slivered almonds brings out their natural nuttiness, making them a perfect contrast to the tangy green beans. And it’s so easy to do! Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, for about 3-5 minutes until they’re golden and fragrant.
- Use quality balsamic vinegar. The balsamic vinegar is one of the main flavour components in this recipe, so choosing a high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar will elevate the dish. The richer, sweeter flavour of aged balsamic will give the green beans a deeper, more complex taste.
- Sauté with garlic gently. When cooking garlic, be careful not to burn it. Garlic cooks quickly, and burnt garlic can turn bitter and unpleasant. Sauté it in olive oil over medium-low heat until it’s fragrant, which should only take 1-2 minutes. This will ensure it adds a nice depth of flavour without overpowering the dish.
- Balance the flavours. The sweetness of the balsamic vinegar, the tang from the Dijon mustard, and the creaminess of the feta all need to be balanced. Taste as you go! If it needs more tang, add a little more Dijon; if you want it sweeter, you can drizzle in a bit more balsamic vinegar. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper until the flavors come together just right.
- Toss the green beans thoroughly. After you’ve cooked the green beans and made the balsamic glaze, toss the beans in the sauce thoroughly so each bean is coated with that delicious mixture. This allows the flavours to really penetrate the beans, ensuring every bite is super flavourful.
- Serve immediately. These green beans are best enjoyed fresh and warm, as the balsamic glaze can harden as it cools. If you do need to make them ahead of time, reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water, more balsamic, or lemon juice to loosen the glaze.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely! Balsamic vinegar is a fantastic pairing with green beans. Its rich, tangy-sweet flavour complements the natural earthiness of the beans, adding a depth that elevates the dish. When cooked down or used as a glaze, balsamic vinegar adds a slight sweetness while balancing the savory notes of the green beans. It’s a simple yet effective way to take a classic veggie side dish and give it a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy twist. Plus, the acidity in the vinegar helps brighten up the overall flavour, making the green beans taste even fresher!
Blanching green beans before sautéing isn’t strictly necessary, but it can make a big difference in both texture and colour. Blanching helps to preserve the vibrant green colour of the beans and ensures they cook more evenly when sautéed. It also softens the beans slightly, allowing them to absorb flavours better and preventing them from being undercooked in the sautéing process. While you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry, taking the extra time to blanch them will give you crisp-tender beans with that perfect bright, fresh look.
To store leftover green beans, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let them cool down to room temperature before storing. When reheating, you can quickly sauté them in a pan with a little more olive oil, balsamic, water, lemon juice, or butter to revive their flavour and texture.
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BALSAMIC GREEN BEANS
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh Green Beans trimmed
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ cup Feta Cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup Slivered Almonds toasted
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add green beans, and cook for about 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
- Toss the green beans into the skillet and stir to coat with the garlicky oil.
- Add balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the beans are tender but still crisp.
- Remove from heat and gently toss in the crumbled feta. Sprinkle with toasted almonds just before serving.
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