Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata Recipe is bright, fresh and full of flavor. It is simple, fast and perfect for daily meals. You will love the mix of tender beans with lemon, garlic and herbs.
In this post, I will share the Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata Recipe in easy words.
You will learn how to make Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata at home. I also share the Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata and helpful tips for success.
My Experience With This Recipe
This recipe felt easy from the first try. The colors were fresh and beautiful. The kitchen filled with lemon and garlic aroma. I loved how fast it came together. No fancy cooking skills were needed.
My family enjoyed it with roasted chicken. Everyone wanted more on their plates. The dish felt light yet very tasty. Now I make it for guests often. It always looks elegant but is very simple.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: about 120 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Grater or zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spoon
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata Recipe
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the green beans
Wash the beans well, trim the ends neatly and keep them ready for fast cooking in boiling water later on. - Boil water in a pot
Fill a large pot with water, add salt and bring it to a steady boil for fresh green beans. - Cook the green beans
Add beans into boiling water and cook until bright green and tender crisp, usually just a few short minutes only. - Drain and cool
Drain the beans in a colander, then rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and keep color bright. - Make the gremolata mix
In a bowl combine parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice and olive oil to form fresh, fragrant topping mixture. - Season the beans
Place warm beans in a large bowl, sprinkle salt and pepper lightly, and toss gently for even seasoning. - Add the gremolata
Pour the gremolata mixture over beans and toss again so every piece gets bright lemon and herb flavor. - Taste and adjust
Taste one bean, then adjust salt, pepper or lemon juice if needed, keeping flavors balanced and lively always.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata Recipe
- Use fresh, firm green beans
- Do not overcook the beans
- Keep beans bright green and crisp
- Use fresh lemon, not bottled juice
- Chop parsley very fine for better mixing
- Serve soon after tossing for best taste
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking beans until soft and mushy
- Forgetting to salt the boiling water
- Using old wilted beans
- Adding too much raw garlic
- Skipping the cooling rinse and losing bright color
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a wonderful side for many meals. Serve it with grilled chicken, roast beef, fish or pasta. It also works well on holiday tables because it adds color and freshness.
The lemon and herbs cut through heavy dishes nicely. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It looks elegant in a white serving bowl and adds life to any plate.
Variations You Can Try
- Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese lightly on top
- Use orange zest instead of lemon zest
- Add a little chili flakes for heat
- Mix in cherry tomato halves for color
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for up to two days
- Reheat gently in a pan over low heat
- You can also enjoy it cold as a salad
- Add a squeeze of lemon before serving again
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~10 g |
| Protein | ~2 g |
| Fat | ~7 g |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Sugar | ~3 g |
Health Benefits
Green beans are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. They support digestion and help you feel light yet full. Lemon and parsley add vitamin C and fresh taste.
Olive oil brings healthy fats that support heart health. This recipe offers flavor without heavy cream or butter. It is a smart side dish choice for balanced meals.
Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the green beans
- Wash the beans well, trim the ends neatly and keep them ready for fast cooking in boiling water later on.
Boil water in a pot
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt and bring it to a steady boil for fresh green beans.
Cook the green beans
- Add beans into boiling water and cook until bright green and tender crisp, usually just a few short minutes only.
Drain and cool
- Drain the beans in a colander, then rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and keep color bright.
Make the gremolata mix
- In a bowl combine parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice and olive oil to form fresh, fragrant topping mixture.
Season the beans
- Place warm beans in a large bowl, sprinkle salt and pepper lightly, and toss gently for even seasoning.
Add the gremolata
- Pour the gremolata mixture over beans and toss again so every piece gets bright lemon and herb flavor.
Taste and adjust
- Taste one bean, then adjust salt, pepper or lemon juice if needed, keeping flavors balanced and lively always.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm green beans
- Do not overcook the beans
- Keep beans bright green and crisp
- Use fresh lemon, not bottled juice
- Chop parsley very fine for better mixing
- Serve soon after tossing for best taste
FAQs about Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata Recipe
1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beans if fresh ones are not available. Blanch them briefly, drain well, and then follow the same steps with gremolata for bright flavor.
2. What does “gremolata” mean in cooking?
Gremolata is a simple Italian topping made from parsley, garlic and lemon zest. It adds fresh flavor, aroma and brightness to many dishes, especially vegetables and meats.
3. How do I keep the beans bright green?
Do not overcook them, and rinse briefly with cold water after boiling. This stops cooking fast and locks color. Avoid reheating many times because color can fade.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the beans ahead and chill them. Add gremolata just before serving so flavors stay fresh and strong and herbs do not wilt early.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata Recipe is fresh, easy and full of life. It proves that simple ingredients can make big taste. Now you know how to make Ina Garten’s Green Beans Gremolata at home with confidence.
Use fresh beans, bright lemon and tender herbs. Enjoy it with family dinners or special events. This beautiful dish brings color, health and happiness to your table every time.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!