In a saucepan, place the green beans in boiling, salted water. Cook, uncovered, until fully cooked, about 6 minutes. If you like your beans w/ a little crunch, cook 3-4 minutes.
Remove from heat and drain.
Sauté the onion in olive oil until the onions begin to get limp. Add garlic and ham or bacon and cook for 2 additional minutes.
Remove from heat.
Stir in fresh lime juice.
Pour sauce over cooked green beans and toss to coat evenly. Season w/ salt pepper to taste.