The 2 Toppings That Turn Green Beans Into A Perfect Fall Side Dish

Green beans are a versatile veggie that are in season until late October, making them a popular choice for this time of year. With a few festive flairs, you can transform them into a dish that embodies the season. Topping green beans with two other seasonal ingredients — fresh pomegranate seeds and crunchy pecans — is the secret to making the perfect fall side dish. Not only will your guests be delighted with the presentation but the taste will certainly impress. 

The combination of pomegranate seeds and pecans works so well because of the contrast in flavors and textures. Pomegranate seeds pop with a bright sourness resembling the flavor profile of grapes or cranberries. This balances the woodsy richness of pecans, providing a striking combination of flavors ideal for topping a bed of earthy green beans. A forkful of this fall flavor combo will send your senses soaring.

With over 500 types of green beans, choosing the right one for your fall side dish is key. Blue Lake green beans are an heirloom variety that can be used for virtually any recipe. When cooked, their grassy taste transforms into a nutty, caramelized flavor. Paired with acidic pomegranate seeds and buttery pecans, you get a side dish that hits all the marks. To get the most out of this perfect fall pairing, sautéing the green beans might be your best bet. With this method, you're not only getting quick results but also the ideal al dente texture that'll stand up to the crunchiness of the nuts and the juiciness of pomegranate seeds.

With pomegranate season being only from September to November, the bejeweled seeds are the perfect topping for fall dishes. The pops of color and bursts of sweet-tart flavor are the simple garnish that gives savory green beans a refreshing contrast. Most grocery stores sell them whole, and you can remove the pomegranate seeds yourself. Before cutting open the pomegranate, it's a good idea to wash it to remove any bacteria and dirt. The deep red seeds are nestled in a thick skin and pulp, but once removed, pomegranate seeds are entirely edible. You can also find packaged seeds if you want to avoid stained fingers.

Pecans are the crunchy garnish your green beans have been craving. And with pecans being one of the top nuts for your health, you can feel good adding this antioxidant-rich topping. Toasting pecans enhances their flavor, easily upgrading your green beans. But, achieving the perfect toasted nut requires attention to temperature and timing — getting it right can elevate your topping, while overdoing it can lead to bitterness. For an extra kick, you can season and toast pecans with cayenne pepper — or go for a sweeter flavor profile with added crunch and make candied pecans. Both versions pair well with tart, juicy pomegranate seeds and earthy green beans, and together create the perfect fall side.