Green Bean Bowl with Protein: Light, Simple & Satisfying

SEAFOOD
Written By Veronica Allende-Ayad
 

The concept of serving meals in a bowl dates back thousands of years, when early cultures across Asia, Africa, and the Americas used simple vessels to hold stews, porridges, and mixed dishes. These all-in-one meals were practical, easy to transport, and ideal for combining ingredients. In today’s kitchens, food bowls have taken on a modern twist, featuring thoughtfully layered grains, proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Whether inspired by global cuisine or wellness trends, food bowls continue to thrive for their versatility, nutrition, and comforting presentation, all in one satisfying scoop.

Close-up image of cooked green beans and halved cherry tomatoes topped with cooked shrimp in a brown bowl.

Green Bean Bowl with Protein

Need a quick and refreshing meal that’s full of lean protein and Mediterranean flavor?

This Green Bean Bowl with Protein is the answer! Featuring tender green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and your choice of shrimp or chicken - tossed in a light, zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing with garlic and oregano - it’s a bright, satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Simple, wholesome, and ready in minutes!

Extra-virgin olive oil, chopped garlic, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, one pound cooked shrimp, green beans, and halved cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients for Green Bean Bowl with Protein.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

  • 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed) or cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

  • 24 ounces green beans

  • 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

How to make Green Bean Bowl with Protein

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is fully emulsified. Set aside.

In a small white bowl, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar whisked together.

Garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar whisked together.

  • Place the cooked shrimp or chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Add about 1/4 cup of the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for up to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

One pound of cooked shrimp in a resealable plastic bag marinating with the dressing.

Shrimp in a resealable bag marinating with the dressing.

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 7-10 minutes, until just tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, drain well and set aside.

Twenty-four ounces of cooked green beans transferred to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

Green beans transferred to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated shrimp or chicken along with the marinade. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until heated through.

In a large skillet, the marinated shrimp cooks over medium heat.

Marinated shrimp cooking over medium heat.

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss gently to coat.

In a large wood salad bowl, the cooked green beans and cherry tomatoes are mixed with the dressing.

Cooked green beans and cherry tomatoes mixed with the dressing.

  • Transfer the green bean and tomato mixture to a bowl. Top with warm shrimp or chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!

In a brown bowl, a portion of the green bean and tomato mixture is topped with shrimp and ready to be served.

Green bean and tomato mixture topped with shrimp.

 

THE RECIPE

Green Bean Bowl with Protein

Green Bean Bowl with Protein

Yield: 4
Author: Veronica Allende
Prep time: 12 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 27 Min

Food bowls have ancient roots, with early civilizations using bowls to mix and serve meals in one convenient vessel. Modern food bowls, like grain or salad bowls, gained popularity for their balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients. From ancient times to trendy cafés, food bowls have remained a comforting, all-in-one way to enjoy delicious, wholesome meals! 

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed) or cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 24 ounces green beans
  • 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is fully emulsified. Set aside.
  2. Place the cooked shrimp or chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Add about 1/4 cup of the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for up to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 7-10 minutes, until just tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, drain well and set aside.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated shrimp or chicken along with the marinade. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until heated through.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss gently to coat.
  6. Transfer the green bean and tomato mixture to a bowl. Top with warm shrimp or chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

139

Fat

11 g

Carbs

5 g

Protein

7 g

Recipe with Shrimp (appears above) - Calories: 139, Fat: 11g, Carbs: 5g, Protein: 7g. 

Recipe with Chicken - Calories: 302, Fat: 15, Carbs: 5g, Protein: 36g. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe?

Fresh green beans offer the best texture, but frozen green beans work well too. Just steam or boil them until tender before tossing them with the other ingredients.

Q. What protein should I use, shrimp or chicken?

Both work wonderfully. Shrimp adds a light, briny touch, while chicken offers a heartier feel. Choose whichever suits your taste or what you have on hand.

Q. Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the components in advance and store them separately. For best results, combine just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Q. What’s a good substitute for red wine vinegar?

You can use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or fresh lemon juice. All add brightness to the dressing and pair well with the garlic and olive oil.

Q. How can I make this bowl more filling?

Add a grain like quinoa, farro, or brown rice, or toss in extras like chickpeas, avocado, or feta for more texture and staying power.

Q. How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you use shrimp, eat sooner for peak freshness and flavor.

With crisp veggies, lean protein, and zesty flavor, the Green Bean Bowl with Protein proves that simple ingredients can make the most satisfying meals.

 

Meet Dr. Veronica Allende,

Founder of HealthWealth

Inspired by her Puerto Rican roots & Moroccan family, Dr. Veronica Allende blends culture, wellness & heart into every recipe. Her mission? To make healthy eating feel joyful, simple & full of meaning.

Simply Wholesome Recipes (e-book) - FREE Gift

Healthy Hundred Cookbook

Healthy Eating Companion Guide

Veronica Allende-Ayad
Previous

Vegetable Cabbage Soup with Ground Meat Option: Wholesome Bowl
Next

Simple Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Fresh & Flavorful