Ah, Christmas! The season of joy, warmth, and, of course, delicious food! One of my absolute favorite Christmas side dishes has to be this vibrant roasted green bean and cherry tomato medley. It’s not just a feast for the eyes with its stunning colors, but the flavors are simply divine! The crunch of almonds combined with the fresh, tender green beans and sweet cherry tomatoes makes it a delightful addition to any holiday table. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds! Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it a hassle-free side dish that perfectly complements your festive gathering. Let’s dive into how to make it shine on your table this holiday season!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare This Christmas Side Dish
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your green beans and cherry tomatoes roast beautifully, developing that lovely caramelization and flavor that we all crave during the holidays. So, go ahead and get that oven warming up while you prepare the ingredients!
Prepare the Ingredients
Now, let’s talk about the stars of the show: your green beans and cherry tomatoes! Start by washing the green beans under cold water to remove any dirt. Then, trim the ends off—this is where you can channel your inner chef! In a large bowl, combine the washed green beans and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle in the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good toss until the veggies are well-coated in that lovely oil and seasoning. It’s such a vibrant mix; you’ll be tempted to snack on it before it even hits the oven!
Baking Instructions
Next, grab a baking sheet and spread the mixture out in an even layer. This helps the veggies roast evenly and get that perfect tender-crisp texture we love. Now, sprinkle the sliced almonds on top for that added crunch and nutty flavor. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when the green beans are tender but still have a slight bite to them, and the tomatoes are bursting with flavor. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell amazing! Once done, serve them warm, and watch them disappear from the table!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Side Dish
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in no time, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday spread.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from the olive oil and almonds, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy festive flavors.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant greens and bright reds of the green beans and cherry tomatoes make your holiday table pop with color!
- Crowd-Pleasing: With its delightful crunch and burst of flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests and have them asking for the recipe.
- Versatile: This side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from roasted turkey to glazed ham, making it a must-have for any festive gathering.
- Make Ahead: You can prep this dish in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities!
Tips for Success
Getting this Christmas side dish just right is all about those little touches! Here are my top tips to elevate your green bean and cherry tomato medley:
- Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest green beans and cherry tomatoes you can find. The flavor of fresh produce shines through, making all the difference in this dish!
- Garlic Love: If you’re a garlic fan like me, toss in some minced garlic when mixing the vegetables. It adds a lovely aroma and an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the veggies.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a festive twist.
- Almond Toasting: For an even deeper flavor, try toasting the sliced almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the dish. It brings out their nuttiness and adds a perfect crunch!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your veggies while they’re baking. You want them tender but still crisp. Overbaking can lead to mushy beans, and nobody wants that!
- Serving Suggestions: Consider drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice over the dish just before serving for a delightful zing that brightens everything up.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll create a stunning and delicious Christmas side dish that’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover green bean and cherry tomato medley can be a delightful treat the next day, too! To store, simply transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container. I usually recommend letting it cool to room temperature before sealing it up to prevent condensation. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, the fresher, the better!
When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, you’ll want to reheat them carefully to maintain that lovely texture. I suggest using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the veggies out on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use the microwave—just pop them in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking. Wow, you’re going to love how quick and easy it is to bring this festive dish back to life! Enjoy every flavorful bite again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this festive dish! While I always say enjoy your food without counting every calorie, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re putting on your plate. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful green bean and cherry tomato medley:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes. But hey, the goodness of fresh veggies makes this side dish a wholesome addition to your holiday feast! Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself and your guests to something nutritious, colorful, and oh-so-delicious!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No problem! I’ve got you covered with some common queries about this festive Christmas side dish that might help you out.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans can be a convenient alternative, especially when fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them before using, and you might want to reduce the baking time slightly since they’re already blanched.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
No worries! You can substitute them with diced regular tomatoes or even bell peppers for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and type of the vegetables you choose.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep everything in advance. Just prepare the green beans and cherry tomatoes with the olive oil, salt, and pepper, then store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just spread them out on a baking sheet and bake as directed. It’s a great way to save time during the holiday hustle!
How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want it to be vegan, you’re in luck! Just ensure the sliced almonds are raw or roasted without any added ingredients. And you can swap out the olive oil for avocado oil if you prefer!
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
Feel free to get creative! You can add in ingredients like zucchini, asparagus, or even some diced carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly!
How do I keep the green beans crunchy?
The key is to avoid overbaking! Watch them closely as they bake, and pull them out as soon as they’re tender yet still have a bit of crispness. Also, a quick toss in ice water after blanching can help keep them vibrant and crunchy if you’re using fresh beans.
With these answers in hand, you’ll feel confident tackling this Christmas side dish and making it your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Print
Christmas Side Dish: 5 Ways to Wow Your Guests
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive side dish perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- In a bowl, mix green beans, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until beans are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can add garlic for extra flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: christmas side dish
