10 Green Bean Side Dishes for Every Summer Dinner
These aren’t your average veggies.
There’s no shortage of delicious produce to enjoy during summer—and fresh green beans are one of the season’s most underrated varieties. The classic veggie has a lot more potential than just plopped down raw on the side of your plate. With the right idea, green beans can become one of the most exciting side dishes for your next summer dinner.
From crisp salads bursting with fresh flavors to comforting casseroles and savory recipes loaded with bold toppings, these green bean side dishes have something for every summer occasion. They’re perfect for backyard cookouts, weeknight dinners, and any meal that needs a little something green.
Looking for something special? Try wrapping them in bacon, dressing them up with toasted almonds, or adding sweet-tart pomegranate for a side dish that’s extra delicious. Just grab a bundle from your garden or a bag from the store and get ready to turn this humble veggie into a side dish that steals the show.
Garlic Green Beans
This one is ready in 15 minutes. All you need are a handful of pantry staples such as garlic, olive oil, butter, and a little seasoning.
Get the Garlic Green Beans recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Everything's better with bacon—including summer vegetables! These bundles wrap fresh beans in caramelized, brown sugar-coated bacon for a side dish that's as impressive as it is delicious.
Get Ree’s Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles recipe.
Green Bean Salad
Full of Mediterranean-inspired flavor, blanched green beans get a summer twist with a zippy homemade vinaigrette and a mix of toppings. Plus, it can be served at room temperature, so it’s an easy make-ahead option.
Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.
Green Bean Casserole
Who says casseroles are only for the holidays? In the transition from summer to fall, here’s an idea: tender green beans are coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with bacon and topped with golden breadcrumbs for big flavor.
Get Ree’s Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
When you want a veggie side without heating up the kitchen, turn to the air fryer! These green beans come out slightly blistered with a satisfying bite and are finished with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh taste.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Classic Three Bean Salad
Fresh green beans are the star of this salad. Tossed with two more kinds of beans, crisp veggies, and a zesty vinaigrette, the make-ahead side is ready for everything from casual cookouts to sunny picnics.
Get the Classic Three Bean Salad recipe.
Slow Cooker Green Beans
Let your slow cooker do the work! Inspired by Ree’s favorite Spanish-style green beans, this side dish simmers the veggies with bacon, tomatoes, garlic, and spices for a savory dish that’s welcome at any summer cookout.
Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.
Green Beans Almondine
Get a simple yet elegant green bean upgrade in this classic side dish. Tossed with buttery toasted almonds, bright lemon, fragrant garlic, and sweet shallots, it’s an extra tasty way to let summer produce shine.
Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.
Cajun Green Bean Casserole
This isn’t your average casserole! The fresh veggies get a spicy kick with Cajun seasoning, bacon, and crispy fried onions. The finished dish is creamy, crunchy, and full of Southern-inspired flavor.
Get Ree’s Cajun Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates
Bring a little sweetness and crunch to the table with tender green beans that are tossed with juicy pomegranate seeds, roasted pistachios, fragrant herbs, and a glossy pomegranate butter sauce.
Get Ree’s Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates recipe.
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