Name: Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 ½ cups water; ¼ cup butter; 1 tablespoon sugar; ¾ teaspoon garlic salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh basil; 2 cups cherry tomato halves

If you’re searching for a vibrant side dish that’s as flavorful as it is colorful, Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes should be at the very top of your list. This dish transforms humble green beans and juicy cherry tomatoes into a showstopper with just a few thoughtful touches—think fresh basil, a bit of butter, and perfectly balanced seasonings. It bursts with garden freshness and cooks up in just around 20 minutes, making it just as suitable for busy weeknights as for dinner parties when you want something extra special without the stress.

Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes is its simplicity—the ingredients do all the heavy lifting. Every addition brings a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color, creating a beautiful, satisfying vegetable dish that might just steal the spotlight.

Green beans: Choose fresh green beans for optimal crunch and bright flavor; trimming them keeps the texture just right.
Water: Steams the beans to tender perfection, locking in that fresh, green taste.
Butter: Creates a silky, rich base for the sauce and helps all the flavors meld beautifully.
Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balance the savory notes.
Garlic salt: Adds instant savory depth, infusing every bite without overwhelming the other flavors.
Pepper: Lends subtle heat and a fragrant lift to the finished dish.
Fresh basil: Chopped basil brings a fresh, aromatic burst—don’t skip it if you want that unmistakable summer flavor.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bites that pop with sweetness and add bright color to your plate.

How to Make Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1: Cook the Green Beans

Start by placing your trimmed green beans and water into a large saucepan. Cover the pan, bring it to a rolling boil, then turn the heat down low and let them simmer gently. About 10 minutes is all it takes to get them perfectly tender—soft, but still a little snappy. Once done, drain them well and set them aside. This simple prep locks in their vibrant green color and the best texture for your Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes.

Step 2: Make the Tomato-Basil Sauce

Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat until it’s bubbling gently. Stir in the sugar, garlic salt, pepper, and beautifully fragrant chopped basil. Now add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and gently stir. You only need to cook the tomatoes until they just begin to soften and release their juices—keep a gentle touch here so they keep their shape and bright color.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Pour the warm, buttery tomato mixture right over your cooked green beans. Using a large spoon or tongs, give everything a light toss so the beans are coated with the glossy sauce and tomatoes are evenly scattered throughout. Your Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes are now ready to serve—fresh, fragrant, and downright irresistible!

How to Serve Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

Garnishes

A quick shower of freshly chopped basil makes the whole dish sing with extra freshness, but don’t stop there! A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dusting of grated Parmesan can add just the right finishing touch before your Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes hit the table.

Side Dishes

These beans pair beautifully with just about anything—grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or your favorite cut of steak. They also work wonders nestled beside creamy mashed potatoes, hearty pasta, or fluffy rice pilaf, adding a splash of color and freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feel, pile your Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes high onto a wide platter with the tomatoes on top for a colorful effect. If you’re serving individual portions, try arranging the beans in neat rows and scattering the tomatoes and basil artfully over each plate. A quick drizzle of good olive oil just before serving adds extra shine and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes will stay fresh for up to three days, tasting just as lovely chilled or brought back to room temperature for a quick lunch or snack.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish in a pinch, the texture of both the green beans and cherry tomatoes is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may make the vegetables a bit softer once thawed. If you do freeze, package in a freezer-friendly bag, remove excess air, and use within one month for best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the beans and tomatoes in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep those beautiful tomatoes from collapsing and the beans from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use high-quality frozen green beans in a pinch! Just add them straight to the boiling water and adjust the cooking time so they’re warmed through but still retain a slight bite.

What’s the best way to trim green beans quickly?

Gather a small handful of green beans, line up the ends, and cut off the tips with a sharp chef’s knife. Flip them around and repeat on the other side for evenly trimmed beans in no time.

Can I substitute dried basil for fresh?

Fresh basil delivers the liveliest flavor in this recipe, but if you only have dried, use a third of the amount—about half a teaspoon. Sprinkle it in with the other seasonings and taste before adding more.

Would grape tomatoes work if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely! Grape tomatoes are just as sweet and colorful, though a bit firmer. Slice them in half like cherry tomatoes so they soften just right in the skillet.

Is it possible to make Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes vegan?

Definitely! Swap the butter for a quality vegan butter or a good olive oil. The dish remains rich and flavorful, and works for anyone at your table.

Final Thoughts

Give Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes a try and let its simplicity and flavor brighten up your next meal. It’s the kind of dish that wins over even veggie skeptics and becomes a repeat request, year-round. Enjoy every colorful, delicious bite!