Zesty Lemon Pine Nut Green Beans
Elevate your vegetable side dish with these Zesty Lemon Pine Nut Green Beans. This delightful recipe features fresh, crisp green beans tossed with toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch, and brightened up with lemon zest and fresh parsley. Perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner, these vibrant green beans bring color and flavor to any plate. Your guests will love the balance of zesty and earthy flavors in this quick and easy dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
green beans
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces)
pine nuts
1/4 cup (toasted)
flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons (finely grated)
extra virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook until they are just tender, about 5 minutes.
2
After cooking, drain the beans in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans with the toasted pine nuts, finely chopped parsley, and grated lemon zest.
4
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Toss everything gently to ensure the beans are coated evenly with the oil and seasonings.
6
Serve immediately, or chill for a refreshing side dish later.
Nutrition Information
2.75g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
1.125g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Pine Nut Green Beans?
This recipe is an elevated vegetable side dish featuring crisp green beans, toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley, and bright lemon zest.
How many calories are in this green bean dish?
There are 40 calories per serving in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Is Zesty Lemon Pine Nut Green Beans vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly recipe.
How long should I boil the green beans?
Boil the green beans for about 5 minutes until they are just tender.
Why should I rinse the green beans in cold water?
Rinsing them under cold water stops the cooking process and helps preserve their bright green color.
How many pounds of green beans do I need?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of green beans.
How should the green beans be prepared before cooking?
The beans should be trimmed and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces.
How many pine nuts are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts.
What type of parsley is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
How much lemon zest should I use?
You should use 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 3.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the Zesty Lemon Pine Nut Green Beans?
Each serving provides 1.125g of fiber.
Is there protein in this side dish?
Yes, each serving contains 0.75g of protein.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, you can chill the dish and serve it as a refreshing side later.
What does the lemon zest add to the recipe?
The lemon zest provides a bright, zesty flavor that balances the earthy tones of the beans and nuts.
Are the pine nuts supposed to be toasted?
Yes, the pine nuts should be toasted to provide a nutty crunch and enhanced flavor.
What seasonings should be added?
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant color and sophisticated flavor make it perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
How do I ensure the beans are evenly coated?
Toss the beans gently in a large mixing bowl with the oil, zest, and other seasonings until coated.
Do I need to salt the water when boiling the beans?
Yes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the trimmed green beans.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 primary ingredients: green beans, pine nuts, parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy cooking recipe that is quick to prepare.
What main courses pair well with this dish?
These beans pair well with a wide variety of main courses due to their balanced flavor profile.
What is the texture of the green beans in this recipe?
The beans should be just tender while remaining crisp and vibrant.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the specific serving size isn't listed, the nutrition is based on 40 calories per portion.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the cholesterol level is null, typical for plant-based dishes.
Can I use a different type of nut?
The recipe specifically calls for pine nuts to achieve a nutty crunch, though other nuts could be substituted if necessary.