Looking for a side dish that steals the spotlight?
These Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan are bursting with flavor and texture.
Simple to prepare yet packed with impressive taste,
they’re the perfect addition to any meal—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

For Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan
- Green Beans – Fresh, tender green beans work best for this recipe. Trim the ends before roasting.
- Garlic – Thinly sliced for a flavorful, aromatic base.
- Pine Nuts – Toasted to bring out their nutty flavor and add a nice crunch.
- Lemon Zest & Lemon Juice – Fresh zest and juice provide a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano – Coarsely shredded for a salty, umami-packed topping.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Used to toss the beans, helping them roast perfectly and adding richness.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – For seasoning, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Sugar – A small amount to balance the acidity of the lemon.


Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan
Looking for a side dish that steals the spotlight? These Roasted Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan are bursting with flavor and texture.
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Servings: 8
Notes
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 2 pounds fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced garlic (7-10 cloves, about 4 slices per medium clove)
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons lemon zest
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6 tablespoons coarsely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and set the rack in the middle.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Toast Pine Nuts:
- In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden, stirring frequently. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Once toasted, transfer the pine nuts to a small bowl (they will continue cooking in the pan if left inside). Set aside.
- Prepare Green Beans:
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, sliced garlic, olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, kosher salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Toss well to coat the beans evenly.
- Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure no seasoning is left behind, then transfer everything to the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the Green Beans:
- Roast the green beans and garlic for 15 minutes.
- Stir with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Continue roasting for another 10 minutes, or until the beans are tender and lightly browned but not shriveled.
- Finish and Season:
- Once the beans are done, add the lemon juice, remaining ½ tablespoon of lemon zest, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and toasted pine nuts.
- Toss to combine and taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, either hot or at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
You can prepare these beans up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave when ready to serve.Nutrition
Calories: 264 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 21 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g Cholesterol: 6 mg | Sodium: 448 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 6 g
- Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but fresh will give a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture during roasting. - How can I speed up the toasting of pine nuts?
Toasting pine nuts quickly and safely is easy—just use a skillet over medium heat. Stir them frequently and keep a close eye on them as they can burn fast. Once they’re golden, immediately transfer them to a bowl to stop the cooking process. - Can I skip the lemon zest if I don’t have a zester?
If you don’t have a zester, you can use a fine grater or simply leave it out. The zest adds brightness, but the lemon juice still provides plenty of flavor. - How do I prevent the beans from burning in the oven?
To prevent burning, ensure the beans are evenly coated with olive oil and toss them halfway through cooking to promote even roasting. Also, keep an eye on them toward the end and adjust the time if needed. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roasted green beans up to 3 days in advance. After roasting, let them cool, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat them when ready to serve.



