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.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the green beans: rinse thoroughly and trim the ends.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water, bring to a rolling boil, and add a pinch of salt.

Step 3

Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes. Do not overcook; they should remain tender-crisp.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency.

Step 7

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and toss for about 1 minute to warm them through.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and add the balsamic pesto. Toss the green beans until they are evenly coated with the pesto.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve immediately as a warm side dish or cool to room temperature for a refreshing addition to a summer meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2080.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1097.6

Total Fat 95.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 1898.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.7g	0%
Total Sugars 21.0g
Protein 30.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 665.7mg	0%
Iron 7.7mg	0%
Potassium 1325.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 74.1%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 15.5%