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Citrusy Haricots Verts

These citrusy haricots verts offer a bright and elegant twist on a classic green vegetable side dish. By gently infusing extra-virgin olive oil with fresh lemon and orange zest, you create a fragrant base that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the slender French beans. This heart-healthy recipe relies on high-quality oils and citrus juices rather than heavy butter, ensuring the finished dish remains light, vibrant, and packed with vitamins.

Ideal for a weekday dinner or as a sophisticated accompaniment to a weekend roast, this versatile side is remarkably quick to assemble. If you are planning a larger meal, you can blanch the beans a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Simply toss them through the warm citrus oil just before serving to bring the dish together in minutes.

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Ingredients for Citrusy Haricots Verts

  • 900g haricots verts, trimmed

  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice

How to make Citrusy Haricots Verts

Cook haricots verts in salted boiling water until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain.

Heat zests in oil with 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add haricots verts and cook, tossing, until heated through. Add lemon and orange juices and toss to coat.

Haricots verts, without zests, oil, and juices, can be cooked 1 day ahead and chilled.

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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