Healthy Green Bean Casseroles for Thanksgiving

A healthy update for a traditional casserole. Photo from Eating Well Magazine

Green bean casserole is a staple dish on many Thanksgiving tables. The old-fashioned, down and dirty, cheap and easy version calls for canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup and french fried onions. It’s comforting and familiar and not very healthy.

There are plenty of other treats that go along with the Thanksgiving holiday, so lighten up those green beans and make them a healthy dish.

For an updated version of the traditional casserole, try Eating Well Magazine’s Healthy Green Bean Casserole that uses low-fat milk and fresh breadcrumbs.

Over on the FatFree Vegan blog you’ll find a recipe for The Best Vegan Green Bean Casserole that is good enough you won’t notice it’s vegan.

Here’s a version with unusual and tasty ingredients. Green Bean Casserole with Pumpkin Seed Crumble

Don’t be afraid to think outside the casserole pan for green bean dishes for your holiday meal. Green beans are low in calories and fat and a good source of vitamin C and fiber, so try enhancing their flavor without adding a lot of fat for a truly healthy dish. Blanch your green beans, then saute briefly with red onions, mushrooms and chopped walnuts. Spoon into a serving dish and sprinkle with a little blue cheese.

For a really simple dish, try the Mayo Clinic’s recipe for Green Beans with Red Pepper and Garlic that comes in at only 50 calories per serving.

Finally, for something really different, try a Healthy and Delicious Green Bean and Radish Salad. Cooking the radishes takes away the bite and the recipe is simple.

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