Name: Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts & Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp pine nuts; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts & Parmesan is a fresh, flavorful side dish that’s anything but boring. The green beans come out perfectly tender with crispy edges, infused with roasted garlic and brightened by lemon zest. I love the final touch of toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan—it brings just the right amount of richness and crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it transforms simple green beans into something crave-worthy. It’s quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and loaded with texture and flavor. The lemon keeps it bright, the garlic adds depth, the pine nuts give a toasted crunch, and the Parmesan ties everything together. Whether I’m serving it for a holiday meal or an easy weeknight dinner, it’s always a hit. Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts & Parmesan

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh green beans, trimmed
Olive oil
Garlic, thinly sliced or minced
Lemon zest and juice
Pine nuts
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
I spread the green beans on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Then I toss them with garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
I roast the green beans for 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they’re tender and slightly blistered.
While the beans roast, I toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant.
Once the green beans are out of the oven, I transfer them to a serving platter.
I top them with lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice, then sprinkle over the pine nuts and grated Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook—ready in 30 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes swap the pine nuts for slivered almonds or chopped walnuts if I don’t have pine nuts on hand. For a punchier version, I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting. If I want it dairy-free, I skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative. And for extra richness, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving works beautifully.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I spread the beans on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. Microwaving works too, but the oven helps bring back some of the crispiness. Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts & Parmesan

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, I’ve used frozen green beans in a pinch. I make sure to thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture during roasting.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

I often trim and toss the green beans with oil and seasonings ahead of time, then roast them just before serving. The pine nuts and Parmesan can also be prepped in advance.

What type of Parmesan works best?

I prefer freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano. It melts into the hot beans and gives a richer flavor compared to the pre-shredded kind.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

I slice it thinly and toss it well with the green beans. Keeping it coated in oil and nestled among the beans helps keep it from burning during roasting.

Is this recipe suitable for a holiday dinner?

Definitely. I serve it often as a lighter side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and it always complements heavier mains like roasts or casseroles.

Conclusion

Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts & Parmesan is the kind of side dish I turn to when I want something simple yet flavorful. It’s quick, elegant, and packed with fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a festive gathering, this dish always adds a vibrant, delicious touch to the table.