This easy green bean recipe from Real Simple Magazine was a hit with the family this Christmas dinner. I don’t know if it was the pretty Christmas colors in the dish, or the combination of ingredients, but these beans provided a nice balance for heavier foods like the stuffing and mashed potatoes.
I bought tender young green beans from Costco, toasted the walnuts, and added sweet dried cranberries. Who wouldn’t like that as a tasty side dish?
Happy cooking!
Serves 8
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup roasted, unsalted mixed nuts, (I used walnuts) roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the green beans and
- cook until tender, 4 to 6 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the oil, nuts, and cranberries.
- Drain the green beans and transfer them to the bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss to coat. Serve warm or at room temperature.
What’s good for me in this dish?
Green beans are high in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as manganese and fiber. Vitamin K is important for bone health, and a serving of green beans provides your daily requirements for this crucial vitamin. They also provide protection against atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease.Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce the symptoms of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Calories 119; Calories From Fat 60%; Fat 8g; Sat Fat 1g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 306mg; Carbohydrate 11g; Fiber 4g; Protein 3g, Weight Watchers Points 2
Nutrition details obtained from whfoods.org, nutritiondata.com, about.com, and abouthomecooking.com.
This recipe looks great!
I’ve never had cranberries with green beans before!
I hadn’t either, but it really was a great combination. I love those recipes from Real Simple magazine.
Saving this one. I’ve seen those beans at Costco and I have no idea why I haven’t bought them. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re welcome. I like those Costco beans because they are small and tender. Cheap too!
Dried cranberries are a nice twist!
My husband makes something similar to this but he uses almonds and bacon bits. They are amazing. But I think I want to tell him to use dried cranberries next time. It looks so great!
Perfect colors for the holidays too! I’ll try it with the almonds and bacon bits the next time. I’ve used turkey bacon bits before in other dishes where it wasn’t the star of the dish and it was fine, but I think in this case I’d rather just use a smaller amount of pork bacon to keep the calories down.
Love it! This is the only way I like green beans – still crispy and wish some other flavor(s) besides the bean! Cant wait to try them!
I’m with you. I have vegetables cooked to nothing. Hope you like them!
hummmmmmmmmm good
I’m pretty sure that it’d be a hit with my family in all seasons! Great dish for everyone!
I agree. I thought it would be good with a really great steak. I have beef on the brain after all that turkey and ham! 🙂
what a great looking dish! I love cranberries + walnuts in anything!
It’s true, it is a great combination. Happy New Year!
This is so pretty and what an interesting combination with the dried cranberries! Thanks for sharing a lovely recipe!
I thought it was interesting too. Have a good new year!
Love the colors.. very festive.. need to keep this in mind for next year! I love walnuts and cranberries… and I bet the texture with green beans was great.
Happy New Year!
Thank you! Happy New Year!
Happy New year and wishing you & your family all the best for the coming year.
.-= anncoo´s last blog ..Happy New 2010 Year =-.
Thank you, and same to you and yours!
I made green beans almandine at Christmas and everyone loved them, but I like this idea too. The red cranberries with the green beans would make it perfect for Christmas, but I’m it tastes great any time. Thanks for stopping by.
.-= Linda´s last blog ..A New Year Recipe Review =-.
I agree. This would be a tasty, healthy side dish for any time of the year. Love your blog. Happy New Year!