Green Beans with Honey Mustard Dressing

Tossed in a honey-mustard dressing and topped with crispy bacon crumbles and maple candied pecans, these were no ordinary green beans.

We made these with fresh green beans, but there’s no reason they wouldn’t work with frozen beans. They’re a super-simple, extra pretty side dish that goes with almost anything–fish, beef, pork, chicken, or pasta.

As for changing them up, you could certainly skip the bacon if you’re vegetarian or the pecans if you don’t want the added calories. You don’t need much in the way of bacon or pecans, so we think they’re worth it. Still, if you go without, the honey-mustard dressing is light enough just to coat the beans, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper would be enough to make you a very happy eater.

Serves: 4-5 as a side dish

INGREDIENTS

• 1-1½ lbs green beans, ends trimmed (don't thaw if using frozen)
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste

Optional garnishes:

• Cooked, crumbled bacon (about 4 pieces was plenty)
• ½ cup toasted or candied pecans, lightly chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Steam green beans (I place a metal steamer basket in a saucepan with 1-2 inches of water, low enough not to touch the steamer basket. Place beans in the steamer basket and cover the pot. Bring water to a simmer over medium-low heat. Steam beans for 4-6 minutes, or until crisp-tender).

While beans are steaming, whisk together honey, mustard, and olive oil in a small bowl.

When the beans are cooked to your desired level of tenderness, remove them from the pan and toss with the honey mustard dressing. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Top with desired garnishes and serve warm.

Source: One Lovely Life