Recipe highlights: Quickly blanch vibrant green beans and shock them in ice water to set their color, then simply combine with the savory flavor of bacon and herbs for an easy side dish. It's low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber and vitamins, and you can add healthy fats by using ghee or coconut oil.

About this recipe

We wanted to add more quick, nutritionally balanced side dishes to our repertoire, so we made this "Herbed Green Beans and Bacon." It’s perfect for busy weekday menus and well suited to those following low-carb or high-fiber diets, as well as anyone looking for a colorful side dish. When we actually made it, the saltiness of the bacon and the refreshing herbs brought out the texture of the green beans — it was easier than we expected and really brightened the table.

Ingredients (serves 2)

  • Green beans: 20 pods (about 150 g)
  • Bacon: 70g (thinly sliced and cut into short strips)
  • Grass-fed ghee (or organic extra-virgin coconut oil): 1 teaspoon
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Basil (finely chopped): 1 tablespoon
  • Italian parsley (finely chopped): 1 tablespoon
  • Sea salt: a pinch (for finishing)
  • Coarsely ground black pepper: a pinch (optional)
  • Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon (optional, to brighten the flavor)

How to make

  1. Trim off the stems and remove any strings from the green beans, then lightly sprinkle them with salt and roll them on the cutting board. This helps them stay a vibrant color when boiled.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and briefly blanch the green beans for about 2 minutes (depending on size, 1.5–2.5 minutes is a guideline).
  3. Once cooked, immediately plunge them into ice water, chill thoroughly, and drain well. This will help preserve a bright, vivid green color.
  4. Place the bacon in a frying pan and cook over low–medium heat, allowing the fat to render slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning—the key is not to make it too crispy.
  5. Put the ghee (or coconut oil) and Dijon mustard in a bowl, add lemon juice if needed, and mix well.
  6. Put the boiled, drained green beans, slightly cooled bacon, and the finely chopped basil and Italian parsley into a bowl, then toss with the dressing from step 4.
  7. If the seasoning needs more salt, adjust with sea salt, then finish by sprinkling coarsely ground black pepper — and it’s ready. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition and Health Points

Green beans are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and folate, all of which help support gut health and the immune system. Bacon contributes savory flavor and protein, but if you’re concerned about sodium, try a reduced-salt variety or cut back on the amount. Using grass-fed ghee or extra virgin coconut oil adds high-quality fats and helps the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Overall, this makes for a low-carb side dish that’s easy to include when you’re limiting carbohydrates.

Tips & Variations

  • If you use smoked salmon or grilled chicken breast instead of bacon, you'll end up with a more protein-focused dish.
  • If you'd like to make it plant-based, substitute pan-seared atsuage (thick fried tofu) or smoked tofu — sear them in a frying pan until nicely browned and fragrant to give the dish a satisfying, hearty feel.
  • It's fun to change the flavor by adding herbs like dill or chives. Sprinkling nuts (crushed almonds or pine nuts) adds both texture and nutrition.
  • If you like spicy flavors, try increasing the whole-grain mustard or adding a small amount of sliced red chili pepper for an extra kick.
  • We recommend storing it in the refrigerator and consuming within about 2–3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for a short time before eating to bring out the aroma.

Summary

Quick to make and visually appealing, "Green Beans and Bacon with Herbs" is a go-to everyday side dish. When we actually made it, we found the cooking process was simple and it was perfect for bento boxes. Using ghee or coconut oil adds depth of flavor, and swapping the herbs lets you enjoy different taste variations. We hope you'll give it a try.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.