I remember the first time I tried a simple side that stole the show at a family dinner. Inspired by my love for balanced, one-pot meals and quick, customizable dishes, I created these 5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO. Crisp, garlicky, and bright with cilantro, they’re perfect for green beans with oil and vinegar twists, room temperature sides, or even a chilled marinated green bean salad that everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, flavorful, and family-friendly sides. With just fresh green beans, garlic, cilantro, and extra virgin olive oil, you can create a dish that’s perfect for green beans with oil and vinegar, red wine green beans, or a chilled marinated green bean salad. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, busy schedules, or special occasions, and it’s completely vegetarian.
The bright garlic flavor and fresh cilantro elevate simple green beans into a versatile side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, pasta, or grain bowls. Serve warm, at room temperature green beans, or chilled for green beans cold salads, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. This recipe is also customizable—you can add a splash of vinegar or extra herbs for an Italian marinated green bean salad twist. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, this 5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for This Recipe
For this 5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO, each ingredient is chosen to bring maximum flavor with minimal effort. Fresh green beans provide a crisp, vibrant base, while garlic adds a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the brightness of fresh cilantro. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) ties everything together, creating a silky coating that enhances every bite. Simple seasoning with salt and black pepper allows the natural flavors to shine. These ingredients are perfect for green beans with oil and vinegar, red wine green beans, or a refreshing marinated green bean salad, whether served warm, at room temperature green beans, or as green beans cold for a salad twist. The simplicity of this recipe makes it customizable, balanced, and ideal for quick weeknight dinners or elegant side dishes for special occasions.
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4)
1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make This Recipe
Making 5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO is quick, simple, and packed with flavor. Start by blanching fresh green beans until crisp-tender, locking in their bright color and natural sweetness. The garlic is sautéed in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to release its savory aroma, creating the perfect base for the beans. Toss the beans with garlic, EVOO, and chopped cilantro, then season with salt and black pepper. This method ensures you get a versatile dish that works as green beans with oil and vinegar, red wine green beans, a chilled marinated green bean salad, or Italian marinated green bean salad. Serve warm, at room temperature green beans, or cold as a refreshing side. Quick, family-friendly, and customizable, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dish everyone will love.
🛒 Steps:
Blanch 1 lb fresh green beans in salted boiling water for 3–4 minutes. Drain and place in ice water.
Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in a skillet over medium heat.
Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Drain green beans and add to the skillet, tossing with garlic and EVOO for 2–3 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a green beans cold salad or marinated green bean salad.
Expert Cooking Tips
To make the most of your 5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO, paying attention to ingredient quality and timing is key. Fresh green beans should be crisp and bright for the best texture, while garlic must be finely minced to evenly infuse the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with flavor. Using fresh cilantro at the end keeps its bright, herbal notes intact. These tips ensure your dish works beautifully as green beans with oil and vinegar, red wine green beans, or a chilled marinated green bean salad, perfect for room temperature green beans or green beans cold salads. The simplicity of this recipe allows for easy customization, balancing flavors for busy weeknights or special occasions.
💡 Expert Tips:
Choose 1 lb fresh green beans that snap when bent for maximum crispness.
Use 3 cloves garlic, finely minced, to fully infuse 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with flavor.
Add 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro at the end to preserve bright, herbal notes.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferred flavor balance.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a green bean marinade or Italian marinated green bean salad twist.
FAQs
What makes this 5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO so flavorful?
The combination of fresh green beans, garlic, cilantro, and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) creates a bright, savory side. This simple recipe works as green beans with oil and vinegar, red wine green beans, or a chilled marinated green bean salad for added versatility.
Can I serve these green beans cold?
Yes, these green beans cold are perfect for salads, picnics, or as a chilled side dish. They also work as room temperature green beans for make-ahead meals.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. The 5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO is completely vegetarian and works well for Italian marinated green bean salad variations.
Can I make a vinegar version?
Yes, add a splash of red wine vinegar or your favorite vinegar to create tangy vinegar green beans or a zesty green bean marinade.
Can I customize this recipe for special occasions?
Definitely. Use it as a base for marinated green bean salad dressing, add extra herbs, or serve warm or chilled to suit busy weeknights or elegant dinners.
Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.
See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.
Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.
Bang-Bang Melty Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Meatloaf Bombs Made Easy
Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake Recipe – Creamy, Easy, and Family-Friendly
Blueberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible
This 5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO is a quick, versatile, and flavorful side that belongs in every kitchen. Perfect for green beans with oil and vinegar, red wine green beans, or a chilled marinated green bean salad, it works warm, at room temperature green beans, or as green beans cold for salads. Simple, vegetarian, and customizable, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or special occasions. Try it today and enjoy a vibrant, easy-to-make side everyone will love.
Print
5 Ingredient Garlic and Cilantro Green Beans with EVOO
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick, flavorful side dish featuring crisp green beans tossed with garlic, fresh cilantro, and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect warm, at room temperature, or chilled as part of a marinated green bean salad. Vegetarian-friendly and ready in minutes with just five simple ingredients.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Blanch Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, heat EVOO over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Step 3: Combine & Toss
Drain green beans from ice water and add to the skillet. Toss with garlic and olive oil for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Add Cilantro & Season
Remove from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or allow to cool for a room temperature green bean side or green beans cold salad.
Notes
- Vinegar Twist: Add 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar for a tangy vinegar green beans version.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to 2 hours ahead; refrigerate and serve chilled for a refreshing salad.
- Italian Flair: Toss with extra herbs and a bit more EVOO for an Italian marinated green bean salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: Blanched & Sautéed
- Cuisine: American / Fusion