Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Cashews

Greenletes / Recipes / Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Cashews

Last updated on February 28th, 2021 at 10:23 am

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week. Where did 2018 go?! As a vegetarian, Thanksgiving is all about the sides for me. Sweet potato casserole, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce–need I say more?Even when I ate meat, turkey was never my thing. And while I definitely think you should just enjoy what’s on your holiday table and not worry about counting calories for one day, I do have a lightened up green bean side for you!

Green Beans with Caramelized Onions & Cashews is the perfect #vegan side dish for #Thanksgiving or any night of the week. It's super simple to make and tastes fresh. Add something lighter to your #holiday feast!

Why did I decide to make this a lighter option? So glad you asked! For me, the theme of the holidays is ‘homemade’. My family makes everything from scratch, and we would feel majorly duped if the sauce for our green beans came from a can. Maybe you love the traditional Campbell’s mushroom soup and fried crunchy onions on top of your green beans, and there’s no fault in that. But for those who want something a little fresher that actually tastes like green beans, this recipe is for you.

Green Beans with Caramelized Onions & Cashews is the perfect #vegan side dish for #Thanksgiving or any night of the week. It's super simple to make and tastes fresh. Add something lighter to your #holiday feast!

This is super simple to make. First, you caramelize the onions in a pan (it takes about 30 minutes), then you add the green beans. Top with some toasted cashews and you’ve got the simplest side around!

Green Beans with Caramelized Onions & Cashews is the perfect #vegan side dish for #Thanksgiving or any night of the week. It's super simple to make and tastes fresh. Add something lighter to your #holiday feast!

Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Cashews

Course Side Dish
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 140 kcal
Author Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped cashews
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil divided
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 pound green beans

Instructions

  1. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped cashews and toast for 4-5 minutes (or until golden brown). Set aside.
  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sliced onions. Cook the onions until they are translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the balsamic vinegar and reduce heat to low. Cover the onions and cook on low for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the onions are caramelized, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and green beans to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from the heat and top with toasted cashews.

Recipe Notes

Nutrition Facts
Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Cashews
Amount Per Serving
Calories 140
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

10 Comments

  1. Tawnie Kroll

    5 stars
    This will be a perfect addition to the Thanksgiving feast, thank you!!

    Reply
  2. Meme

    5 stars
    Made this for Thanksgiving and it turned out amazing! The entire family loved it!

    Reply
  3. Liz Shaw

    5 stars
    Fun twist on a classic- can’t wait to try!

    Reply
  4. Lindsey

    5 stars
    Loved the caramelized onions in here!

    Reply
  5. Emily Kyle

    5 stars
    So fresh and delicious, definitely expanding beyond Thanksgiving time with this recipe!

    Reply
  6. Lorie

    5 stars
    My little guy’s fave food is green beans–these are now part of our weekly rotation!

    Reply
  7. Rich

    5 stars
    Does not have to be Thanksgiving to prepare this side dish. My better half really enjoyed the touch of the toasted cashews this evening with our Sunday dinner. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

      Comments like this are why I do what I do. Thank you SO MUCH for the incredible feedback, and I’m so glad your family enjoyed this simple and healthy meal.

      Reply
  8. Tara Kupersmith

    5 stars
    This looks delicious- do you recommend raw cashews?

    Reply

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I’m Natalie Rizzo, an NYC-based Registered Dietitian.

My mission is to help everyday athletes fuel their fitness with plants.

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