Green beans with orange & pinenut gremolata

Green beans with orange & pine nut gremolata is a vibrant side dish featuring the zest of citrus, fresh herbs, and toasted pine nuts. It’s quick to prepare and complements various main courses.

15 Jan 2026
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pine nuts
1 orange
1/3 cup spearmint
2 garlic cloves
1/3 cup green beans
1 tbsp olive oil

Green beans with orange & pinenut gremolata is a fresh and flavorful side dish that combines zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, and crunchy pine nuts to create a delightful experience for your taste buds. This dish is perfect to accompany any main course and adds a vibrant touch to your meal.

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pine Nuts:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pine nuts and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Transfer the toasted pine nuts to a bowl and let them cool.

2. Prepare the Orange:
- Zest the orange and set the zest aside.
- Cut the orange in half and squeeze out the juice. Set the juice aside for later use.

3. Prepare the Herb & Garlic Mixture:
- Finely chop the spearmint leaves.
- Mince the garlic cloves.

4. Blanch the Green Beans:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
- Drain the green beans and transfer them immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them again and set them aside.

5. Make the Gremolata:
- In a bowl, combine the orange zest, chopped spearmint, minced garlic, and toasted pine nuts.
- Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the fresh orange juice. Mix well to combine.

6. Combine and Serve:
- Place the blanched green beans in a serving bowl.
- Spoon the orange and pine nut gremolata over the green beans and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt, if desired.

7. Serve:
- Serve the green beans with orange & pine nut gremolata immediately, either warm or at room temperature.

This Green Beans with Orange & Pinenut Gremolata recipe is a simple yet sophisticated side dish that can elevate any main course. The freshness of the orange and mint, combined with the richness of the toasted pine nuts and the pungency of the garlic, creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Perfect for both casual dinners and festive occasions.

Green beans with orange & pinenut gremolata FAQ:

What cooking method is used for the green beans?

The green beans are blanched in salted boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. They are then transferred to ice water to stop the cooking process.

How do I know when the pine nuts are toasted?

Toast the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes.

Can I substitute spearmint with another herb?

Yes, you can substitute spearmint with other fresh herbs like mint or parsley, though the flavor profile will change. Be sure to adjust the amount to taste.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use other nuts such as walnuts or almonds in place of pine nuts, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor and texture of the gremolata.

Tips:

- For even more flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the gremolata.

- If you're short on time, you can prepare the gremolata ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.

- Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as parsley or basil to suit your taste preferences.

- Ensure the green beans are well-drained after blanching to avoid watering down the dish.

- To make this dish more hearty, you can add some cooked quinoa or couscous.

Nutrition per serving

8 Servings
Calories 80kcal
Protein 1.77g
Carbohydrates 4.38g
Fiber 1.10g
Sugar 2.43g
Fat 9g

Green beans with orange & pinenut gremolata