Marinated Green Beans with Cilantro and Garlic

This may seem like it's pushing it as a taco Tuesday recipe but, I assure you, you want to make these green beans and you want to do it today.  They would be delicious with any taco recipe you want to make, they can be made ahead and they are so tangy and delicious that you will love them!  This green bean recipe would also be perfect for a cookout and would be an awesome side for grilled meats of any kind!  The original recipe suggested adding the lemon juice just before serving (to better maintain the color of the green beans) but I prefer marinating them all day for delicious flavor!  They will not be perfectly green if you marinate them all day so if that bothers you you might want to add the lemon juice just before serving.  Enjoy!

Marinated Green Beans with Cilantro and Garlic (adapted from afamilyfeast.com)

6 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 c. cilantro, chopped
2 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and washed (could also use frozen if desired)
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 t. pepper
1 t. salt

Place the garlic and cilantro in a large bowl and set aside.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the green beans.  Cook until just tender, about 5-7 minutes.  Drain well and place the beans back in the hot pan, turn on the burner and shake for 30 seconds to dry the beans out.  Pour the hot beans in the bowl with the garlic and cilantro and stir briefly, then let sit untouched for 10 minutes.  Add the olive oil, lemon juice, pepper and salt and toss to combine.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.  Toss, taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if desired and serve!

6 servings (89 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com