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Green Beans with Sage and Pancetta

This elegant recipe for green beans with sage and pancetta offers a wonderful balance of textures and earthy flavours. The freshness of the blanched beans provides a vibrant base for the salty, crisp pancetta and the aromatic warmth of fresh sage. By quickly sautéing the ingredients in a small amount of heart-healthy olive oil, you create a sophisticated side dish that feels indulgent while remaining light and nutritional.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this vegetable-led dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in fibre. It makes an excellent accompaniment to roasted chicken or grilled fish for a nutritious midweek meal or a Sunday roast. If you are preparing for guests, the beans can be blanched up to two hours in advance, allowing you to finish the final sauté just before serving.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Green Beans with Sage and Pancetta

  • 1.1kg green beans, trimmed

  • 230g thinly sliced pancetta, coarsely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 45ml coarsely chopped fresh sage

  • Fleur de sel* or other medium-grain sea salt for serving (optional)

How to make Green Beans with Sage and Pancetta

Line baking sheet with several layers of paper towels. Cook beans in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes depending on size of beans. Drain. Spread beans out on paper towels. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Combine pancetta and 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet. Sauté over medium heat until pancetta is crisp, separating pieces with 2 forks, about 10 minutes. Add sage and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to plate.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add beans and sauté until heated through, about 5 minutes. Add pancetta mixture and toss to blend. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to large bowl; sprinkle with fleur de sel, if desired, and serve.

*A sea salt with especially subtle, complex flavour; sold at specialty foods stores and online at chefshop.com.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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