If you're wondering what to make with green beans, here are some of my favorite recipes to help you put them to good use.
Whether you've picked up a bag of fresh green beans at the grocery store, harvested a basket from the garden, or found a forgotten bag in the freezer, green beans are one of the most versatile vegetables you can keep on hand.
They're budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and work with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday meals. Green beans can be roasted, air fried, pressure cooked, tossed into salads, or even preserved for later.
If your garden is producing faster than your family can eat, you're not alone. If you're trying to keep up with a productive garden, be sure to check out my What to Make with Extra Tomatoes guide for even more ways to use seasonal produce.
Fresh Green Bean Recipes
Fresh green beans are one of my favorite summer vegetables because they're easy to prepare and work with so many different flavors. Whether you're cooking from the garden, shopping at the farmers market, or grabbing a bag at the grocery store, these recipes are a delicious way to enjoy fresh green beans.
Italian Green Beans with Tomatoes
This simple side dish combines tender green beans and tomatoes for a recipe that pairs well with chicken, pork, pasta, and just about anything else you're serving for dinner.
Marinated Green Bean Salad
A tangy make-ahead salad that's perfect for cookouts, potlucks, family gatherings, and hot summer days when you don't want to spend much time in the kitchen.
Roasted Asparagus and Green Bean Salad
Fresh asparagus and green beans come together in this colorful vegetable side dish that's perfect for spring and summer meals.
Green Bean Potato Salad
This fresh take on potato salad combines tender potatoes and crisp green beans with a simple vinaigrette for a side dish that's perfect for backyard barbecues and family gatherings.
Easy Green Bean Side Dishes
When dinner needs a simple vegetable side, green beans are always a good choice. These easy recipes come together quickly and pair well with everything from grilled meats to comfort food favorites.
Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
No thawing required. This easy air fryer recipe transforms frozen green beans into a quick side dish in just minutes.
Instant Pot Green Beans
The Instant Pot does all the work in this simple recipe, making it easy to get a vegetable on the table even on your busiest days.
Holiday and Potluck Favorites
Whether you're planning Thanksgiving dinner, heading to a church potluck, or bringing a dish to a family gathering, these green bean recipes are always crowd-pleasers.
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Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup
This homemade version skips the canned soup but keeps everything people love about classic green bean casserole. It's creamy, comforting, and perfect for holiday meals.
Main Dishes with Green Beans
Green beans aren't just for side dishes. These recipes incorporate green beans into a complete meal, making it easy to get dinner on the table with less fuss and fewer dishes.
Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Green Beans
Everything cooks together on one pan, creating a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and potatoes while keeping cleanup simple.
How to Preserve Green Beans
If your garden is producing more green beans than you can use right away, don't let them go to waste. These preservation tips help you enjoy the harvest long after the growing season ends.
How to Freeze Green Beans
Learn how to freeze fresh green beans so you'll always have them ready for soups, casseroles, side dishes, and easy weeknight meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about cooking, storing, or preserving green beans? Here are answers to a few common questions.
Fresh green beans can be roasted, sautéed, steamed, added to salads, tossed into sheet pan meals, or used in casseroles and side dishes.
In many recipes, yes. Frozen green beans work especially well in air fryer recipes, casseroles, soups, and cooked side dishes.
Store unwashed green beans in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They typically stay fresh for up to one week.
Yes. Blanching green beans before freezing helps preserve their color, texture, and flavor.
More Summer Produce Guides
When the garden starts producing, it often feels like everything is ready at once. If you're looking for more ways to use seasonal produce, check out:
- What to Make with Extra Tomatoes
- What to Make with Fresh Strawberries
- Sweet Corn Recipes (coming soon)
More Vegetable Side Dishes to Try
If you're looking for more easy ways to add vegetables to your menu, be sure to try these reader favorites:
Whether you're feeding hungry farm kids, planning a holiday meal, or simply trying to use up what's growing in the garden, these green bean recipes make it easy to get a delicious side dish on the table.
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