This recipe for Avocado Caesar Green Beans is one you will be making again and again as your new favorite side dish. It’s a fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad by incorporating super tender green beans with the richness of avocado-based Caesar dressing.
Flavored and healthy with a great pairing to be shared with grilled meats, seafood, or even just a light vegetarian main course.
Unlike most of the traditional Caesar salads made from romaine lettuce with a tangy dressing, the green beans are what amaze with their crunchy delight and small pops of livid green in this dish.
Avocado contributes creaminess but also adds richness, allowing this recipe to be far healthier than traditional Caesar salads.
Rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, avocado pairs well with the nutrient profile of green beans in this dish, which is not just tasty but nutritious as well.
Let’s understand how to make this mouth-watering dish in just a few steps with the following recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Green Beans:
- 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Avocado Caesar Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado (pitted and peeled)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Toasted breadcrumbs or croutons (for extra crunch)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Fry the Green Beans :
Begin by cutting the ends off the green beans. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes in a pot of boiling salted water until bright green and still crisp, but starting to be tender. Finish straight into an ice bath, and a bowl of ice water, to stop cooking and preserve color.
2. Pan-fry or Roast the Green Beans :
While blanching gives the green beans their initial tenderness, further flavors are developed when roasted or sautéed. Toss the blanched green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in a 425°F (220°C) preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they start to develop a slightly blackened look.
3. Avocado Caesar Dressing Preparation:
While the beans cook, get ready the creamy avocado Caesar dressing. In a food processor or blender, put the ripe avocado, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.
With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water until you achieve the right consistency. You may season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serving and Garnishing :
Toss in some grated Parmesan cheese and toasted breadcrumbs or croutons for added flavor and textural contrast. Serve warm or chill the dressed green beans for a refreshing salad later.
Tips for Best Avocado Caesar
Green Beans Use fresh green beans: For this dish, use only fresh green beans. These will typically be bright green and firm. Avoid limp or brown spot-producing beans.
Blanch and Shock:
Blanching before roasting or sautéing them keeps the green beans brilliant and a little crunchy. An ice bath will stop the cooking process, helping seal in that color.
Creamy Dressing:
The Avocado Caesar dressing must be creamy. If it is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or olive oil to thin it out. You want the dressing to coat the green beans without being too heavy.
Add Texture: While it’s nice to mix grated Parmesan cheese and toasted breadcrumbs into creamy dressing and soft green beans, don’t omit those finishing touches!
CONCLUSION:
The Avocado Caesar Green Beans recipe is a real game-changer for those looking to transform their version of a classic dish into a healthy, modern adaptation.
Bringing the creamy richness of avocado together with the strong flavors of Caesar dressing gives you a side dish that is both zestful and nutrient-rich at the same time.
The bright freshness of the green beans adds both texture and brightness to make this dish versatile for family dinners, barbecues, or even light meals.
FAQS
Is it possible to substitute another vegetable?
YES.
Could you create a vegan version?
YES.