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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Green Beans with Cranberries and Pecans

    Published: Sep 29, 2021 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    A plate of beans with text: Green Beans with Cranberries and Pecans

    Green Beans with Cranberries and Pecans is an easy recipe that takes fresh green beans and turns them into a flavorful side dish with great taste and texture. Serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner as a sweet and savory side dish everyone will enjoy! Ready in just 10 minutes.

    It's perfect with Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Garlic Mashed Potato as tasty, easy holiday side dishes.

    Close up of green beans sauteed with cranberries and pecans.

    When cooking holiday meals, some recipes will be super complicated. This green bean side dish recipe is one of the most simple dishes we like to make!

    Not only are the green beans fresh and tender, but they are also paired with sweet and tart cranberries and a nutty crunch from toasted pecans that make an excellent flavor combination.

    We adore the contrast between the crisp beans, soft tender cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans.

    All you need to do is to blanch trimmed green beans quickly in boiling water. Then and add it to a skillet with oil, butter, and garlic.

    Then just toss the cranberries and pecans in until the entire dish is warmed through. It's ready in just 10 minutes and perfect for your holiday table or to serve on a weeknight with any protein.

    This was inspired by my Green Beans Almondine recipe on this site, and pairs well with Stuffed Butternut Squash or Whole Roasted Cauliflower for a veg-packed Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Special diets
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    It’s a great mixture of fall flavors that are perfect as a holiday side dish.

    It uses fresh green beans that are full of nutrients and crunchy texture.

    You can change up the nuts or dried fruit you use to customize this healthy side dish.

    The entire recipe is ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish.

    Ingredients

    You only need simple ingredients to make this Sautéed Green Beans recipe. Feel free to switch up the nuts and dried fruit for alternatives!

    Ingredients on a table.
    • Pecans - Adds a healthy crunch and nutty flavor to the green bean dish.
    • Cooking Oil - Helps to saute the ingredients together and develop all the flavors.
    • Butter - Adds a rich buttery flavor to this green bean side dish. Use vegan butter or extra oil to make this a vegan side dish.
    • Fresh Green Beans - The main ingredient adds fiber, nutrients, and lots of texture.
    • Dried Cranberries - Gives this side dish a sweet and tart flavor note that pairs well with green beans.
    • Fresh Garlic - Infuses the dish with fresh garlic flavor.
    • Salt & Pepper - Balances all of the flavors together when seasoned to taste.

    Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

    Instructions

    Wondering how to make this recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Toasting pecans in a frying pan.

    Toast the pecans: Add a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Pour in the pecans and saute, making sure to stir often for about 3 minutes. The pecans should begin to get toasted and will darken slightly. Set aside to cool.

    Blanching green beans in a pot of water.

    Prepare the green beans: Thoroughly wash your green beans, then trim the tough stems off each side using a sharp knife.

    Blanch the green beans: Heat a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add the prepared green beans and boil for 3 minutes. Then remove with a slotted spoon and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

    Sauteeing the cooked green beans in a pan.

    Cook the green bean dish: Add the oil and butter to a large frying pan or skillet. Heat over medium-high heat. Add in the green beans, cranberries, and fresh garlic. Stir often for about 3-4 minutes or until the green beans are heated through.

    Finished sauteed green beans.

    Add the pecans: Season with salt and pepper, then add the chopped pecans, cook for an additional minute, then plate and serve while warm.

    Top tips

    Choose green beans that are all even in size and not bruised or browned. This will help them cook evenly and stay fresh.

    Keep an eye on the pecans while toasting as they can burn very quickly if they are not watched.

    Blanching is an important process for making this side dish as it keeps the green beans fresh and tender and also keeps them from undercooking in the pan.

    You can also use an ice bath after blanching the green beans to stop the cooking process immediately. Just plunge the drained beans into a bowl of iced water.

    Serving Suggestions

    Goes great with French small pan-fried Parmentier Potatoes on a Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner table, plus a bowl of Braised Red Cabbage.

    A Cranberry Pomegranate Cosmpolitan Cocktail makes a great drink pairing along with this veggie side. Or for a non-alcohol drink, try a Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail.

    Serve with Vegan Stuffing to make the perfect side dish combination with any comforting protein.

    Variations

    Change up the nuts: Instead of pecans, toasted cashews, walnuts, or slivered almonds add a great nutty flavor and crunch to the dish.

    Change up the fruits: Instead of dried cranberries, you can also use dried raisins, currants, or golden berries to get that sweet and tart flavor.

    Add additional vegetables by tossing in some sauteed mushrooms and onions or your favorite veggie.

    Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice on top for a bright citrusy flavor. Or for a more festive taste, try a squeeze of satsumas, tangerines or clementines.

    Special diets

    To Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, however, make sure you check your labels on any seasonings.

    To Make It Vegan: This pan fried green bean side dish can be made vegan by swapping out the butter for a vegan butter substitute or by replacing it with plant-based cooking oil.

    Storage

    Storing: Sauteed Green beans with cranberries and pecans can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat on a medium heat skillet until warmed through. 
    Freezing: This cooked side dish does not hold up well in the freezer as the texture of cooked green beans will not thaw properly along with the pecans and cranberries. Therefore, freezing is not recommended.

    FAQs

    Can I use frozen green beans?

    Frozen green beans are not recommended for this recipe as they can become too soggy when cooked with additional ingredients. It's best to go fresh with this one!

    How long do you blanch green beans?

    For best results, green beans are usually finished blanching in about 3 minutes. Larger green beans may take one minute more and smaller may take a minute less.

    A serving dish of green beans with cranberries and pecans.
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    📖 Recipe

    A plate of green beans.

    Green Beans with Cranberries and Pecans

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    Green Beans with Cranberries and Pecans is an easy 10-minute recipe with a sweet taste and crunchy texture. An easy holiday side dish.
    5 from 9 votes
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    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 175 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pot
    • skillet / frying pan

    Ingredients
     

    • 5 tablespoons pecans
    • 1 teaspoon oil
    • 1 teaspoon butter
    • 1 pound (450 grams) fresh green beans washed and trimmed
    • 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
    • 1 clove garlic finely chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper or to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a dry frying pan over a medium heat, add the pecans (no oil) and cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes until they just begin to toast and darken slightly. Set aside.
    • Meanwhile, heat a pan of boiling water, add the trimmed green beans and boil (blanche) for 3 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to cool.
    • Heat the oil and butter in a frying pan or skillet, over a medium/high heat then stir in the green beans, cranberries and garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes or until the beans are heated through. Season with the salt and pepper, add the pecans, stir well and cook for a further minute.

    Notes

    • Choose green beans that are all even in size and not bruised or browned. This will help them cook evenly and stay fresh
    • Keep an eye on the pecans while toasting as they can burn very quickly if they are not watched.
    • Blanching is an important process for making this side dish as it keeps the green beans fresh and tender and also keeps them from undercooking in the pan.
    • You can also use an ice bath after blanching the green beans to stop the cooking process immediately.
    • Instead of pecans, toasted cashews, walnuts, or slivered almonds add a great nutty flavor and crunch to the dish.
    • Instead of dried cranberries, you can also use dried raisins, currants, or golden berries to get that sweet and tart flavor.
    • Add additional vegetables by tossing in some sauteed mushrooms and onions or your favorite veggie.
    • Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or tangerine juice on top for a bright citrusy flavor.
    • Storing: Green beans with cranberries and pecans can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat on a medium heat skillet until warmed through.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 16mgPotassium: 298mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 821IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. sonia

      December 29, 2021 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      I really like quick recipes.
      Ideal for lunch and dinner
      This had good texture and taste.

      Reply
    2. Beth

      October 19, 2021 at 12:45 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe. It was pretty and perfect. A great side for anyone's Thanksgiving feast for holiday celebration. Thanks for the great recipe.

      Reply
    3. Seanna Borrows

      September 29, 2021 at 1:23 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect green bean side dish recipe for the holidays. Love the addition of the cranberries. So fresh and delicious!

      Reply
    4. Aimee Mars

      September 29, 2021 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      You're right this is a great blend of fall flavors and I love the combination of the cranberries with the green beans. This is a fun side dish that would work all season long.

      Reply
    5. Natalie

      September 29, 2021 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      How delicious. I love added pecans and sweet cranberries. Such an interesting flavor combo and twist from classic green beans. I'll give this a try.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

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    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Easter Recipes

    • Easter Rice Krispie Nests
    • Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)
    • Mushroom Wellington
    • Nut Roast

    My cookbook

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    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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