Green Beans with Spiced Pecans
Published Nov 16, 2012•Updated Dec 28, 2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Green Beans with Sweet Spiced Pecans and Goat Cheese have a crunch of sweet pecans, tartness from a light vinaigrette, and creaminess of goat cheese to top it all off.
This morning on my way to the gym I could have sworn I heard a monkey. It’s not even really possible that there would be a monkey in our yard in downtown Bangkok, but I liked the idea of it.
Second only to monkeys, I wanted to talk about green beans this morning. Not your standard steamed or boiled green beans, these are green beans I could eat every night.
These might tempt even the green bean averse.
Why is it that this coming holiday that’s all about traditions, there’s so much creative play that happens around the recipes? Every year I’m curious to see what the food magazines will come up with. Asian Thanksgiving? Kimchi Mashed Potatoes? Tortilla Chip Chorizo Stuffing? It’s all been done, and so much more. I love all the variations, but I tend to go the traditional route. (That is, I grill my mother to insure that she is going the traditional route when I’m going to be home for Turkey Day dinner.)
Next week will mark our third (yikes!) Thanksgiving in Bangkok. And while it’s never all that traditional, it’s always fun. We’ll be spending the day with friends this year, so I’ll just be contributing a dish or two (these rolls are already on the list), but that hasn’t kept me from making a few things that get us in the mindset for the coming holiday.
Traditional Thanksgiving fare or not, these green beans made a great side to dinner, and awesome lunch leftovers.
With a Thanksgiving-style side dish here or there, we might just stretch this year’s Thanksgiving out for a couple weeks.
Or at least until Frank caves to letting me putting up the Christmas tree.
More Vegetarian Side Dishes
- Creamy Butternut Squash and Spinach Casserole
- Herb Roasted Vegetables
- Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Roasted Broccoli
- How to Steam a Whole Head of Cauliflower in the Instant Pot
Favorite Tools
Pin this now to save it for later
Pin It Now
Green Beans with Sweet Spiced Pecans and Goat Cheese
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Colander
Ingredients
- Salt, for the cooking water (about 2 tsp for a large pot of water)
- 1 1/2 pounds trimmed Green Beans, cut into 2-3 inch pieces
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/4 Red Onion, very finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Sweet Spiced Pecans (recipe below)
- 3 ounces Mild Goat Cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans to the water and boil, just until the beans are tender and bright green, about 5 minutes (for very fresh green beans, they may only need about 3-4 minutes). While the beans boil, fill a large bowl with water and ice. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans to the ice water to stop the cooking process. When the beans are cool, strain them and transfer them to a serving bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and mustard. Whisk in the olive oil until well incorporated. Add the chopped red onion and stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the green beans from the refrigerator to allow them to come to room temperature. Drizzle the dressing over the top of the beans. Sprinkle spiced pecans and goat cheese over the green beans.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Pin this now to save it for later
Pin It NowSweet Spiced Pecans
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pecan Halves
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter melts, add the pecans and cook, stirring constantly. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt. Just as the pecans start to turn golden brown and fragrant (about 5 minutes), add the sugar mixture to the pan and stir vigorously to coat the pecans. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar starts to sizzle and caramelize on the pecans, about 2 minutes more. (Remove the pecans immediately if they show any signs of starting to burn.) Pour the pecans out onto a piece of parchment paper or baking sheet and allow to cool. When cool, break apart and store in a sealed container for up to a week.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Make some extra of those sweet spiced pecans and use them in one of these fabulous recipes!
Chopped Brussels Sprout Salad with Dried Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese by Two Peas & Their Pod.
Chop them up and mix them into these Pumpkin-Coconut Macaroons by Make it Naked.
Or do what I’ve been doing all week and sprinkle them over Homemade Instant Oatmeal.
I made them. This rocks!!!!!! Thanks you for a new favorite !!!!
Debra – I’m so glad! Thanks for dropping me a note to let me know – happy Thanksgiving!
I think I will make these a tradition. I was wondering how to get green beans to the table. This is it!
These green beans sound amazing! Pecans + goat cheese are always a welcome addition : )
Ashley – so true – I think I’d like anything with pecans and goat cheese on it! Great post on Thanksgiving planning!
ok Jess. I need your camera or lens or photo styling talent! i am obsessed with your beautifully perfect photos! this super simple side dish sound fabulous – goat cheese is my FAVORITE cheese on the planet. it’s SO creamy and soft. hands down, the best. i’ve never tried it with green beans though! nice touch!
Sally – you are so sweet. Goat cheese is MY favorite too!!!