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A plate of salmon, baked potato and gremolata green beans on a plate.
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4.75 from 4 votes

Gremolata Green Beans

With just 7 ingredients these Gremolata Green Beans are the ideal elegant side dish to any protein or meal. The gremolata is made fresh with herbs, pine nuts, cheese, and lemon. I'm also sharing my favorite tried-and-true method of blanching perfect green beans so they aren't mushy.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: vegetables
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 136kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 3 tablespoons parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons shredded or grated parmesan
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2-3 tablespoons pine nuts, almonds or walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound green beans trimmed

Instructions

  • In a small skillet on medium heat, toast nuts until lightly browned. Set aside. 
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook green beans for 3-4 minutes or until tender but crisp.
  • Drain beans in a colander, then place in an ice water bath. Drain again in a colander. Pat dry, and set aside. 
  • For the gremolata topping, in a large bowl combine parsley, lemon zest, parmesan, garlic, and the toasted nuts. 
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. When hot, add beans and sauté for 2 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Transfer the beans to a serving bowl and top or toss with gremolata. Salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

Pro Tips and Variations
  • Toasting Pine Nuts: This is an optional step. However, toasting them adds a nuttier flavor and crunch. Watch carefully as they toast quickly and can easily burn.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, especially for parsley, lemon, and garlic, to maximize flavor.
  • Balancing Flavors: Adjust the quantities of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan to suit your taste preferences.
  • Herb Mix: Experiment with additional herbs like mint or basil for a different herbal profile.
  • Cheese Options: Besides parmesan cheese, you can blend gremolata green beans with Pecornio Romano, Asiago, Feta, and Goat Cheese.
  • Nut Options: Besides pine nuts, you can also use toasted almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and sunflower seeds.
  • Chili Flakes: Add a touch of red chili flakes for a hint of heat.
  • Citrus Variation: Try using orange or lime zest instead of lemon for a unique twist.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9.5g
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