Green Beans with Sunflower Seeds

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for Green Beans with Sunflower Seeds. Perfectly blanched green beans retain their crisp texture and brilliant color, while toasted sunflower seeds provide a delightful crunch and nutty depth. A garlic-infused olive oil base, paired with a bright splash of lemon juice, ties it all together for a refreshing yet savory dish that’s destined to impress. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and wholesome recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for festive gatherings. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these garlicky green beans with sunflower seeds make a versatile and irresistible addition to any meal. Perfect for those seeking a healthy, plant-based side dish with a twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams green beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups ice

Directions

Step 1

Trim the green beans by cutting off the stem ends.

Step 2

Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

Step 3

Blanch the green beans by adding them to the boiling water and cooking for 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant green and slightly tender.

Step 4

Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with 2 cups of ice and water.

Step 5

Transfer the blanched green beans to the ice bath immediately to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 6

In a large skillet, toast the sunflower seeds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 7

In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 8

Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic-infused oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Stir in the toasted sunflower seeds and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 10

Remove from heat and serve warm as a refreshing and savory side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1779.4 grams (1779.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	582

Total Fat 42.60g	55%
Saturated Fat 6.00g	30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1847mg	80%
Total Carbohydrate 45.80g	17%
Dietary Fiber 17.30g	62%
Total Sugars 18.10g
Protein 15.20g	30%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 286mg	22%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 1370mg	29%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.1%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 29.2%