Looking for a quick and healthy side dish that your family will love? Our Green Beans with Almonds recipe is the perfect answer. This dish combines fresh green beans with lemon and the crunch of toasted almonds, making it a standout addition to any meal.
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.
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.
If you like this side dish recipe, you may also love these Southern Bacon and Green Beans or our Green Beans and Carrots in Thyme Butter Sauce.
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What Ingredients Will You Need?
- 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.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
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.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- 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 Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil.
- Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spice.
- Presentation: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Bowl for ice water
- Tongs or slotted spoon
How Should You Store This?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
When blanching green beans, make sure to shock them in ice water to preserve their vibrant green color.
To avoid burning garlic, cook it over medium heat and stir constantly. Remove from heat immediately if it starts to brown too quickly.
To reheat, simply sauté in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover green beans in a stir-fry.
- Add toasted almonds to the top of a breakfast toast. Try this Ultimate Banana Toast Recipe.
- Make dessert with the extra lemons. Try this Best Ever Lemon Loaf Recipe.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- This side dish would pair well with our Panko Chicken Recipe.
- Green beans with almonds would also go well with our Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon.
- Need something lighter? Serve them with a Quinoa salad.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Easy Creamy Butter Beans with Bacon
- Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
- Oven Baked Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
- Steakhouse Creamed Spinach with Gruyere Cheese
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FAQ
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.
📖 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.
Nutrition
By following all the steps to make our green beans with almonds, you can create a delicious and healthy side dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the fresh flavors of green beans with almonds at your next meal!
Important Food Safety Tips
Ensure all ingredients are fresh and properly stored. Cook the green beans thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
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