Yellow (Wax) Beans With Garlic and Tomatoes

During my visit to Greece, I discovered this incredible Yellow Beans With Garlic and Tomatoes dish. The fresh beans are cooked with olive oil, garlic, and ripe tomatoes, creating a flavor that’s nothing short of extraordinary. While the recipe itself is simple, the flavor in this plant-based side dish is anything but basic—each bite is a delicious reminder of the Mediterranean’s vibrant heritage.

Greek-Style Yellow Beans with Garlic and Tomatoes

I absolutely love this Greek fresh bean dish. When yellow beans, also known as wax beans, are in season, they’re incredibly flavorful—and I honestly think they’re even more delicious than green beans.

Yellow beans have a milder taste than their green counterparts, which makes them perfect for soaking up herbs, spices, and garlic. They are also an excellent low-carb vegetable, excellent for someone following a low-carb diet.

These pale yellow beans are a variety of snap bean, and when harvested young, they cook quickly. Their peak season runs from late July through late September, making them a summer treat not to be missed.

Choosing the Best Beans for This Greek-Inspired Dish

For the best flavor and texture, yellow beans are the ideal choice for this recipe. However, if yellow beans are unavailable, green beans can be substituted, though they may require slightly longer cooking times. While green beans work as a suitable alternative, yellow beans truly elevate the authenticity and taste of this Greek-inspired dish.

3 Simple Steps to Make Delicious Yellow Beans with Garlic and Tomatoes

Whenever I make this dish, I always steam the beans. While you can also cook them in lightly salted water, I prefer steaming them. The texture is much better, and the beans retain more of their nutrients.

• Steam the beans
  • Briefly steam the beans. Young beans will steam in about five minutes. For more mature beans, check for doneness, as they may require additional steaming time.
• Sauté garlic and tomatoes
  • While the beans are steaming, sauté garlic in high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • Add tomatoes and paprika, cooking until the tomatoes begin to release their juices.
• Combine steamed beans with garlic and tomatoes
  • Once the beans are tender and the garlic-tomato mixture is seasoned and lightly cooked, add the steamed beans to the pan.
  • Cover and cook for an additional 3 minutes. The beans will absorb the flavors of the garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil, resulting in a deliciously infused dish.
• Freeze the yellow beans for future use
  • As wax beans have a short season, consider freezing them for later.
  • Blanch the beans first, then ensure they are completely dry before sealing them in freezer bags.
  • The beans will keep for up to three months in the freezer.

A Perfect Pairing: Yellow Beans with Garlic and Tomatoes

I love this Yellow Bean with Garlic and Tomatoes dish so much that whenever I have a vegetarian meal, I pair it with a rice dish, like this Vegan Dirty Rice. The combination is absolutely delicious—so good! The vibrant flavors of the beans complement the hearty rice perfectly, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Discover Our Favorite Fish Dishes to Pair with This Nutritious Bean Recipe

• Gluten Free Extra Crispy Fried Fish
• Salmon Burgers with Water Chestnuts
• Parmesan Crusted Halibut – Easy Recipe
• Gluten-Free Salmon Wellington Recipe
• Salmon With Thai Coconut Cream Sauce

Let’s Connect!

Be sure to FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK and PINTEREST.

Many thanks!

Kristina xx