Green Beans with Balsamic Pesto
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for Green Beans with Balsamic Pesto! Tender-crisp green beans are beautifully coated in a rich, velvety pesto made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and a tangy twist of balsamic vinegar. The quick blanch-and-ice bath technique ensures the beans retain their bright color and perfect crunch, while the homemade pesto adds depth and a gourmet touch. This versatile dish can be served warm for cozy dinners or at room temperature for a refreshing summer option. Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a simple yet elegant addition to your table that pairs perfectly with grilled proteins or hearty pasta dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 4 cups water, for blanching
- 2 cups ice, for ice bath
Instructions
Start by preparing the green beans: rinse thoroughly and trim the ends.
Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water, bring to a rolling boil, and add a pinch of salt.
Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes. Do not overcook; they should remain tender-crisp.
Immediately transfer the green beans to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for 2 minutes, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the balsamic pesto: in a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and toss for about 1 minute to warm them through.
Remove the skillet from heat and add the balsamic pesto. Toss the green beans until they are evenly coated with the pesto.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately as a warm side dish or cool to room temperature for a refreshing addition to a summer meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
277 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.8 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 428 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.6 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.9 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 181 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 365 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
