Grilled Green Beans with Lemon and Feta

Grilled green beans are a quick and delicious side dish that everyone will love. Perfectly charred and topped with tangy feta and fresh lemon juice, this simple recipe transforms ordinary green beans into a delightful treat. Even those who usually skip the greens will be asking for seconds!

When I tell you that this will convert some of the biggest green bean-haters in your life into fans, I’m not joking. I’ve known quite a few to fall in love with grilled green beans when they’ve been served this way. Other unique side dishes that may become fan favorites are grilled corn, grilled zucchini with yogurt tahini sauce and Grilled Lemon Tahini Asparagus.

Recipe Highlights

Cultural Influence: Middle Eastern/Mediterranean flavors

Primary Cooking Technique: Grilling

Suitable for: Vegetarian and gluten-free diets

Dominant Flavor Profile: Smoky, savory, and tangy

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Easy and flavorful take on a classic side dish. So unique in flavor that it’s friendly for even those who normally dislike green beans.

Ingredients for Grilled Green Beans

Green Beans: Fresh and crisp, these provide the perfect base for a charred and smoky flavor when grilled. Just be sure they are evenly trimmed for consistent cooking.

Olive Oil: Adds a rich, Mediterranean flavor and helps the beans char nicely. You can use a brush to evenly coat the beans with oil.

Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast to the smoky beans. Crumble it finely to ensure it spreads evenly over the beans. Or, keep it coarse to get more feta flavor.

Lemon Juice: Brings a fresh, tangy brightness that lifts the entire dish. You can dip the sliced lemon in your favorite spice mix before squeezing over the beans for added flavors.

For the Green Bean Skeptics

Green beans often get a bad reputation for being bland and unexciting. But, when prepared correctly, green beans can really upgrade our palates in ways we never knew .

This grilled green bean recipe is here to challenge your preconceptions. By tossing the beans in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grilling them just the right amount, they develop a delightful smoky flavor with a satisfying crunch.

The high heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the beans, giving them a sweet and slightly charred taste that’s anything but bland.

To make things even more exciting, a sprinkle of creamy feta cheese adds a salty contrast, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish with its tangy zest. These simple yet powerful additions will turn your green beans from a dreaded side dish into something to look forward to.

Also, as we’ve been told over and over again: green beans are nutritious. They are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. They are low in calories but high in flavor when prepared correctly.

So, this recipe isn’t only going to taste amazing, it’s an opportunity to sneak in more nutrients.

If you have green bean skeptics in your life, this grilled green bean recipe might just be the surprise they need. Give it a try, and you might find yourself (or your green bean-haters) reaching for seconds!

How to Make the Best Grilled Green Beans

Step 1

Wash, dry, and trim the green beans. Add to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 2

Put the beans in a grilling basket onto the preheated grill. If you don’t have a grilling basket, you can use a cast iron skillet. It’s best to add the beans when the basket or skillet are hot.

Step 3

Flip or stir the beans every couple of minutes so that all sides are cooked thoroughly and evenly. Cook until they get the char that you prefer on them.

Final Step

Remove from basket/skillet onto a plate. Pour lemon juice over the beans and add your feta. They are now ready to serve.

Recipe Notes

Selecting Fresh Green Beans:

• Look for Firmness: Choose green beans that are firm and snap easily when bent. Avoid beans that are limp or have blemishes.
• Uniform Size: Try to pick beans that are of similar size so they cook evenly on the grill.

Preparation Tips:

• Trimming: Trim the ends of the green beans for a cleaner presentation and more uniform cooking. This can be done quickly by lining up a handful of beans and slicing off the ends in one go.
• Dry Thoroughly: After washing, make sure the green beans are completely dry. This helps them grill better, giving you that perfect char without steaming.

Grilling Tips:

• Use a Grill Basket: A grill basket prevents the beans from falling through the grates and makes it easier to stir them around. If you don’t have a grill basket, a cast iron skillet works great too.
• Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to 375°F before adding the green beans. A hot grill gives the beans a nice sear and locks in the flavor.
• Stir Often: Flip the beans every couple of minutes to ensure they cook evenly and get charred on all sides. This also helps prevent burning.

Flavor Enhancements:

• Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, toss the green beans in the olive oil, salt, and pepper mixture and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes before grilling.
• Cheese Variations: While feta is delicious, you can also try other cheeses like goat cheese or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice Addition: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the beans right before serving. This enhances the flavor and adds a refreshing citrusy note.

Variations and Substitutes

Cheese Variations:

• Goat Cheese: Substitute feta with crumbled goat cheese for a tangy, creamy alternative.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the grilled green beans for a nutty, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the charred beans.

Additional Herbs and Spices:

• Garlic: Add minced garlic to the olive oil mixture for extra flavor before grilling.
• Chili Flakes: Sprinkle red chili flakes over the beans before grilling for a spicy kick.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill can be added for an aromatic touch.

Other Additions:

• Nuts: Add toasted almonds, walnuts or pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
• Turkey Bacon: Crumbled bacon bits can be sprinkled over the grilled green beans for a smoky, savory flavor.

Storage

Refrigeration:

Allow the grilled green beans to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. Then, place the cooled green beans in an airtight container.

This will keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator. If stored properly, the grilled green beans can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing:

If you need to store the green beans for a longer period, you can freeze them. Spread the cooled green beans on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This helps prevent them from sticking together.

Once frozen, transfer the green beans to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date for easy tracking. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may want to add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Oven: For a larger quantity, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions