After a weekend of indulgent eating, my body always craves something like this. It’s not so much a recipe as it is a celebration of the ingredients themselves. There’s something so clean and honest about a perfectly cooked green bean, dressed in nothing but good oil and sharp lemon. It’s the dish I make when I need a reset, and it never fails to make me feel vibrant and light.
Quick Look
| Prep | Cook | Total | Feeds | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 min | 10 min | 15 min | 4 | Almost too easy |
Grab These
- 1 lb haricots verts, trimmed
- 2 tbsp excellent extra virgin olive oil (I splurge on the fruity kind)
- Zest and juice from half a large lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, but I always add it)
- A big pinch of flaky sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Let’s Make It
This comes together in a flash, so get everything ready. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—you want it to taste salty like the sea. This is your chance to season the beans from the inside out.
While the water heats, you can make your dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and that minced garlic if you’re using it. Let it sit while you cook the beans so the garlic can mellow out a bit.
Once the water is boiling, add the haricots verts. Cook them for just 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect tender-crisp snap. Don’t wander off to check your phone—it’s a short window!
Drain the beans immediately and add them straight into the bowl with the dressing while they’re still piping hot. Toss them well; the heat will help them soak up all the lovely flavors.
Now, stir in the lemon zest—that’s where the real fragrance is—and finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky salt and a few grinds of pepper. I love serving these warm or at room temperature; they’re incredibly flexible.
My Two Cents
- Calories: About 80 per serving
- Storage: Fantastic for meal prep! It holds up in the fridge for a day or two and makes a great cold salad.
- Swaps: Add a teaspoon of dried oregano to the dressing, or swap the garlic for a handful of fresh dill.
- Pro-Tip: If you have 10 extra minutes, let the dressed beans marinate at room temperature. The flavor goes from great to absolutely incredible.
You Asked, I’m Answering
Q: Can I add other veggies to this?
A: Please do! Thinly sliced radishes, halved cherry tomatoes, or even some canned chickpeas would be wonderful here.
Q: Is this really good, or just “healthy” good?
A: I promise, it’s genuinely delicious. The magic is in using high-quality ingredients you love.