In this Green Beans with Almonds recipe, fresh green beans are quickly sautéed until tender-crisp, then tossed with buttery toasted almonds for a simple yet flavorful addition to any dinner or spring holiday spreads!
Planning your Easter holiday menu? Check out these Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic and other Easy Easter Recipes.
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Green beans with almonds, similar to green beans almondine, is a dish that combines the fresh taste of green beans with the well loved flavors of garlic, butter, and lemon. The classic French dish typically includes shallots, while our recipe adds garlic instead. We use the lemon zest as a garnish for extra flavor.
If you like this side dish, you may also love our Green Beans and Carrots in Thyme Butter Sauce or our Oven Baked Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bundles.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Crunchy: The combination of green beans and toasted almonds provides a lovely texture.
- Healthy Ingredients: Fresh green beans and almonds are packed with nutrients.
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Pairs well with many main dishes, from chicken to fish. For a weeknight meal, we like to serve it with this simple Panko Chicken Recipe or this Easy Lemon Garlic Halibut.
Green Beans with Almonds Ingredients
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best, but you can use frozen ones if necessary. Fresh beans add a crisp texture and vibrant green color.
- Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: Lemons add a fresh flavor that brightens up the dish.
- Toasted Almonds: Sliced or slivered, they provide a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds more flavor.
- Butter: Adds a buttery creamy consistency to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Green Beans: You can use frozen green beans if fresh are not available. Thaw them throughly and skip the blanching process.
- Butter: Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Toasted Almonds: Use slivered almonds or even chopped pecans for a different nutty flavor.
How to Make Green Beans with Almonds
STEP ONE: Toast the Almonds
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.
STEP TWO: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge the green beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
STEP THREE: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet used for the almonds, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
STEP FOUR: Combine Ingredients and Garnish
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through. Stir in the lemon juice, ensuring the green beans are evenly coated.
Stir in the toasted almonds and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with ½ teaspoon lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Blanch the green beans by shocking them in ice water to preserve their vibrant green color.
✔️ DO Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish that enhances the flavor.
❌ DO NOT Burn the garlic. Keep the heat moderate and stir frequently to prevent bitterness.
✔️ DO Toast the almonds until golden brown for the best nutty flavor and crunch.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply sauté in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
Recipe FAQs
You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are evenly toasted. Add a teaspoon of butter to flavor them.
Slivered almonds are cut into thin, short strips, usually from whole blanched almonds. They are thicker and have a different texture compared to sliced almonds, which are cut into thin, flat pieces. Sliced almonds are typically used for a lighter, crispier texture.
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw them and skip the blanching process.
More Vegetable Side Dishes You'll Love ♥️
📖 Recipe
Green Beans with Almonds
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Bowl for ice water
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces green beans trimmed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup toasted almonds sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge the green beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the almonds, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through. Stir in the lemon juice, ensuring the green beans are evenly coated.
- Stir in the toasted almonds and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Green Beans: You can use frozen green beans if fresh are not available. Thaw them throughly and skip the blanching process.
- Butter: Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Toasted Almonds: Use slivered almonds or even chopped pecans for a different nutty flavor.
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