Name: Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs green beans; 1½ cups water; ¼ cup butter; 1 tbsp sugar; ¾ tsp Garlic Salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 1½ tsp fresh basil; 2 cups cherry tomato

This dish combines the crispness of green beans with the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes. It's a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect as a side to any main course. The addition of butter and fresh basil adds a rich, aromatic touch that elevates this simple yet elegant recipe.

Photos of Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are quite common, but you might need to pay attention to getting fresh basil. It adds a unique aroma and freshness to the dish, which dried basil can't quite replicate. Also, make sure to pick up cherry tomatoes, as their small size and juicy nature are perfect for this recipe.

Ingredients For Green Beans With Cherry Tomatoes

green beans: Fresh, crisp beans that serve as the base of the dish

water: Used for boiling the green beans until tender

butter: Adds richness and flavor when melted in the skillet

sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness

garlic salt: Provides a garlicky, salty taste

pepper: Adds a slight kick and enhances the overall flavor

fresh basil: Brings a fresh, aromatic note to the dish

cherry tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes that add a burst of flavor and color

One reader, Bordie Swartz says:

This green beans with cherry tomatoes recipe is a delightful side dish. The fresh basil and garlic salt add a wonderful flavor, and the cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. It's easy to make and perfect for any meal. Highly recommend!

Bordie Swartz

Cooking Techniques for Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

How to trim green beans: Trim the ends of the green beans by cutting off the stem and tail ends. How to melt butter: Place butter in a skillet over medium heat and allow it to melt completely. How to simmer: Reduce the heat to low after bringing the water to a boil and cook gently. How to cook cherry tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook while stirring gently until they soften.

How To Make Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

Lightly boiled green beans are tossed in a butter-basil sauce and served with juicy cherry tomatoes to make a tasty and nutritious side dish.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½lbsgreen beans,trimmed and cut into inch pieces
1½cupswater
¼cupbutter
1tbspsugar
¾tspgarlic salt
¼tsppepper
1½tspfresh basil,chopped
2cupscherry tomato,halves

Instructions

Place beans and water in a large saucepan. Cover, and bring to a boil.
Set heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain off water, and set aside.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in sugar, garlic salt, pepper and basil.
Add tomatoes, and cook stirring gently just until soft. Pour the tomato mixture over the green beans, and toss gently to blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 123.15kcal
Fat: 8.05g
Saturated Fat: 4.93g
Trans Fat: 0.31g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.02g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.47g
Carbohydrates: 12.62g
Fiber: 3.83g
Sugar: 7.33g
Protein: 2.75g
Cholesterol: 20.34mg
Sodium: 13.41mg
Calcium: 52.92mg
Potassium: 386.43mg
Iron: 1.37mg
Vitamin A: 129.25µg
Vitamin C: 21.85mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Making Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

When melting butter in the skillet, make sure to do it over medium heat to prevent it from burning. Once the butter is melted, add the sugar and garlic salt gradually, stirring constantly to ensure they dissolve evenly. This will create a smooth and flavorful base for the cherry tomatoes.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Side Dish

Pre-trim the beans: Trim the green beans in advance and store them in the fridge to save time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Substitute fresh garlic with pre-minced garlic to speed up the process.

Microwave the beans: Microwave the green beans instead of boiling to cut down on cooking time.

Pre-melt the butter: Melt the butter in the microwave while the beans are cooking.

Use dried basil: If you don't have fresh basil, use dried basil to save time on chopping.

Cherry tomato halves: Halve the cherry tomatoes beforehand to reduce cooking time.

Substitute Ingredients For Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way, providing a comparable crunch and flavor profile.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more depth of flavor to the dish compared to plain water.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a subtle, fruity flavor to the dish.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile that complements the vegetables.
garlic salt - Substitute with minced garlic and sea salt: Fresh minced garlic and sea salt offer a more robust garlic flavor and better control over the saltiness.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to avoid black specks in the dish.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a slightly different but complementary flavor that works well with the other ingredients.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them an excellent substitute.

Presentation Ideas for Green Beans and Cherry Tomatoes

Blanch the green beans: After simmering the green beans until tender, quickly transfer them to an ice bath to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Create a butter emulsion: When melting the butter in the skillet, whisk it continuously to create a smooth emulsion before adding the other ingredients. This will ensure a silky, luxurious sauce.
Caramelize the cherry tomatoes: Cook the cherry tomatoes just until they begin to blister and caramelize. This will enhance their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.
Use fresh basil: Finely chop the fresh basil and add it at the last moment to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor.
Plate with precision: Arrange the green beans in a neat, uniform pile in the center of the plate. This creates a clean, professional presentation.
Top with the tomato mixture: Gently spoon the tomato mixture over the green beans, ensuring an even distribution of tomatoes and sauce.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or other fresh herbs to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Drizzle with extra butter sauce: For an added touch of luxury, drizzle a bit of the remaining butter sauce around the plate, creating an elegant, glossy finish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Large saucepan: Used to cook the green beans with water until they are tender.
Lid: Covers the saucepan to help bring the water to a boil and simmer the beans.
Skillet: Used to melt the butter and cook the tomato mixture.
Stirring spoon: Used to stir the butter, sugar, garlic salt, pepper, and basil in the skillet.
Colander: Used to drain the water from the green beans after boiling.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the water, butter, and cherry tomatoes.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar, garlic salt, pepper, and basil.
Knife: Used to cut the fresh basil if it is not pre-chopped.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to chop the fresh basil.
Serving bowl: Used to combine and serve the green beans and tomato mixture.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for This Side Dish

Let the green beans and cherry tomatoes cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the dish, blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
Arrange the blanched green beans and cherry tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
Once frozen, transfer the vegetables to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen green beans and cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring gently to avoid breaking the tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

Stovetop method: Place the leftover green beans and cherry tomatoes in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to prevent the vegetables from drying out. Cover the pan with a lid and let the vegetables steam for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Microwave method: Transfer the leftover green beans and cherry tomatoes to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are heated through. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they can quickly become mushy in the microwave.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover green beans and cherry tomatoes evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the vegetables and toss to coat. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and slightly crispy around the edges.
Skillet method: Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover green beans and cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are heated through and slightly caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Cold salad method: For a refreshing twist, consider serving the leftover green beans and cherry tomatoes as a cold salad. Simply transfer the vegetables to a bowl and toss with a light vinaigrette dressing, such as a mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Interesting Fact About Green Beans and Cherry Tomatoes

A random fact about this recipe is that green beans are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and fiber. Combining them with cherry tomatoes not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the dish's nutritional value with additional antioxidants and vitamins.

Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?

This green beans with cherry tomatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients, green beans and cherry tomatoes, are generally affordable and widely available. Butter, garlic salt, and fresh basil add minimal extra cost. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $8-$10 USD. Considering the nutritional value and simplicity, this dish offers great value. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Side Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

The green beans with cherry tomatoes recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a good balance of vegetables and flavor. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's health aspects:

Green beans are low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and folate.
Cherry tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
The recipe uses a moderate amount of butter, which can be a source of saturated fat. However, the portion per serving is likely to be small.
The addition of sugar helps balance the flavors, but it does slightly increase the calorie and carbohydrate content.
Garlic salt and basil add flavor without significantly impacting the nutritional value.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil.
Omit the sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in a smaller quantity.
Use low-sodium garlic salt to reduce the overall sodium content.
Increase the proportion of green beans to cherry tomatoes for a higher fiber content and lower calorie density.
Add other nutrient-dense ingredients like sliced almonds or chopped garlic to boost the flavor and nutritional value.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or red pepper flakes, to create variety without relying on salt or sugar.

Editor's Opinion on Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The green beans provide a crisp, fresh base, while the cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity. The butter and sugar create a rich, slightly caramelized coating, enhanced by the aromatic garlic salt and pepper. Fresh basil introduces a fragrant, herbaceous note that ties everything together. It's a simple yet elegant side dish that complements a variety of main courses, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Enhance Your Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes infused with the rich, aromatic flavor of roasted garlic. This side dish will perfectly complement the fresh and vibrant notes of your green beans with cherry tomatoes recipe, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a protein-packed punch to your meal with grilled chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon and herbs. The citrusy tang and herbaceous aroma will elevate the freshness of the green beans and cherry tomatoes, making every bite a delightful experience.

Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Almonds: For a nutritious and colorful addition, consider a quinoa salad mixed with dried cranberries and toasted almonds. The nutty flavor of quinoa and the sweet-tart burst of cranberries will add layers of complexity to your meal, while the almonds provide a satisfying crunch.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up your taste buds with a velvety butternut squash soup. The natural sweetness of butternut squash combined with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon will create a comforting contrast to the crispness of the green beans and the juiciness of the cherry tomatoes.

Apple Walnut Salad: Bring a refreshing and crunchy element to your table with an apple walnut salad. Crisp apple slices, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing will add a delightful sweetness and texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory green beans and tomatoes.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy This Dish

Roasted Asparagus With Lemon And Parmesan: Transform your dinner table with this vibrant dish! Fresh asparagus spears are roasted to perfection, then drizzled with zesty lemon juice and sprinkled with savory Parmesan cheese. It's a delightful side that pairs well with any main course.

Sautéed Zucchini And Squash: A colorful medley of zucchini and yellow squash sautéed with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light, healthy side dish that bursts with flavor and texture.

Caprese Salad: Indulge in the classic Italian flavors of Caprese salad. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil are drizzled with rich balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. This refreshing salad is a perfect starter or side for any meal.

Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Elevate your side dish game with these succulent mushrooms sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms are enhanced by the aromatic garlic and creamy butter, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meat or vegetable dish.

Why trust this Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe:

This recipe for green beans with cherry tomatoes is a delightful blend of fresh, vibrant flavors. The butter and basil add a rich, aromatic touch, while the garlic salt and pepper enhance the natural taste of the vegetables. The slight sweetness from the sugar perfectly balances the dish. It's a quick and easy side that pairs well with any main course, making it a reliable choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Share your thoughts on the Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance this delightful dish!

FAQ:

How do I know when the green beans are tender enough?

I usually check the green beans by piercing them with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, they're tender and ready to be drained.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Yes, you can use dried basil if you don't have fresh basil on hand. Just use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What can I use instead of garlic salt?

If you don't have garlic salt, you can use a mix of regular salt and a bit of garlic powder. Adjust to taste, starting with about ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the green beans and the tomato mixture separately ahead of time. When you're ready to serve, just reheat them and toss them together.

How do I keep the cherry tomatoes from getting too mushy?

To keep the cherry tomatoes from getting too mushy, cook them just until they start to soften. This usually takes only a few minutes, so keep an eye on them and stir gently.