Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter Recipe

Zesty Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter Recipe

Summer corn sparkles with vibrant green beans in this irresistible side dish that captures seasonal magic.

Fresh garden produce meets rich herbal notes for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Crisp kernels and tender legumes dance together under a luxurious melted butter blanket.

Sweet corn provides natural sweetness while green beans add delightful crunch and texture.

Fragrant herbs weave through every bite, creating a symphony of farm-fresh flavors.

Simple ingredients come together in mere minutes, promising a delectable accompaniment to any main course.

Why Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter Shine

  • Savor Summer Freshness: Celebrate the season's bounty with this vibrant dish bursting with crisp green beans and sweet corn, capturing the essence of summer produce.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Prepare this recipe in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Elevate with Herbal Charm: Transform basic vegetables into a gourmet side dish by infusing melted butter with fragrant herbs, adding layers of sophisticated flavor that will impress family and guests.
  • Nutritious and Colorful Plate: Enjoy a healthy, nutrient-packed side that's visually appealing with its bright green and golden yellow colors, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Fresh Ingredients for Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter

Fresh Produce:
  • Corn: Sweet summer corn that provides a delightful crunch and natural sweetness to the dish.
  • Green Beans: Crisp and tender green beans that complement the corn's flavor.
Herb and Fat:
  • Butter: Rich and creamy base that helps carry the herb flavors and adds a smooth texture.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs that infuse the butter with aromatic and bright flavors.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the natural flavors of the vegetables and herbs.

Stepwise Guide to Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Vegetables

Fill a spacious pot with water and sprinkle in salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add fresh corn and crisp green beans into the bubbling water. Cook the vegetables until they become tender yet maintain a satisfying crunch, which should take approximately 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, drain the vegetables and set them aside on a serving platter.

Step 2: Create Fragrant Herb Butter

Select a small saucepan and place it on low heat. Gently melt butter until it becomes smooth and silky. Sprinkle in a delightful mix of fresh herbs such as:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Finely minced chives
  • Freshly torn basil leaves

Stir the herbs into the melting butter and let them release their aromatic flavors for 1-2 minutes. The kitchen will fill with an enticing herbal fragrance.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the warm, herb-infused butter generously over the cooked corn and green beans. Season the dish with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve the vegetables immediately while they are hot and the butter is still glistening. Enjoy this vibrant summer side dish that celebrates fresh, seasonal produce.

Cooking Tips for Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter

  • Swap fresh herbs based on seasonal availability to keep the dish vibrant and exciting.
  • Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and prevent over-seasoning the vegetables.
  • Quickly blanch vegetables to maintain their bright colors and crisp texture for maximum freshness.
  • Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor enhancement.
  • Opt for organic corn and green beans during peak summer months for the most robust, sweet taste.

Flavor Variations for Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter

  • Mediterranean Medley: Replace herbs with fresh basil, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired side dish.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cilantro to the herb butter for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Garlic Parmesan Crunch: Mix minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese into the butter, then sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.
  • Asian-Inspired Sesame: Swap herb butter with sesame oil, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds for an east Asian-inspired vegetable side.

Best Pairings with Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter

  • Elevate Herb-Buttered Corn and Green Beans Pairing
  • Uncork Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Bright, herbal white wine complements the fresh vegetable flavors and cuts through the rich butter with zesty acidity.
  • Grill Lemon Herb Chicken: Perfectly seasoned grilled chicken adds protein and mirrors the herb butter's aromatic profile, creating a harmonious summer meal.
  • Serve Rustic Sourdough Bread: Crusty bread helps soak up the delicious herb butter, providing a textural contrast and additional carbohydrate balance to the light vegetable dish.
  • Match Fresh Goat Cheese Crumbles: Tangy, creamy cheese sprinkled on top adds a luxurious layer of flavor that enhances the herb butter's delicate herbal notes.

Proper Storage for Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer corn and green beans to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label with date and consume within 2 months for best quality.
  • Place vegetables in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a few drops of water, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Warm vegetables in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil, stirring gently to prevent sticking and maintain texture.

Answers to Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter Queries

  • What herbs work best in this recipe?

Fresh basil, chives, parsley, or thyme are excellent choices. Each herb brings a unique flavor profile that complements the corn and green beans beautifully.

  • Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn and green beans. Just adjust cooking time slightly and ensure they are not overcooked to maintain their texture.

  • Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! This summer side dish is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based butter.

  • How can I add more protein to this recipe?

Try adding crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal.

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Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter Recipe

Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 5-6 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy summer corn and green beans dance with herb butter in this garden-fresh delight. Seasonal vegetables mingle with fragrant herbs, delivering a simple yet elegant side dish you’ll crave all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ears corn, husked
  • 1 pound (1 lb) green beans, trimmed

Herb and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Dairy Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat.
  2. Submerge corn and green beans into boiling water, cooking for precisely 3-4 minutes until vegetables reach a vibrant, tender-crisp texture.
  3. Carefully drain vegetables in a colander, allowing excess water to completely escape.
  4. Simultaneously, place butter in a compact saucepan and melt over gentle, low heat.
  5. Introduce freshly chopped herbs into the melted butter, allowing them to infuse and release aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Transfer cooked vegetables to a serving platter, creating an appealing arrangement.
  7. Gracefully drizzle the herb-infused butter across the vegetable surface, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Sprinkle a delicate layer of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
  9. Present the dish immediately while still steaming hot, capturing the peak of summer’s fresh vegetable bounty.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by using fresh, seasonal corn and green beans for the best taste and texture.
  • Toast herbs briefly in butter to enhance their aromatic qualities and release essential oils.
  • Customize the herb butter with different combinations like basil and thyme or dill and chives for varied flavor profiles.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use fresh herb mixtures.
  • Prep Time: 0 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 182 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 82 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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