If you’ve ever wished for a vegetable side dish that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare, this Green Beans Almondine Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. With crisp-tender green beans toasted in golden butter and olive oil, then tossed with fragrant garlic and crunchy sliced almonds, every bite bursts with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The fresh lemon juice adds a bright zing that lifts the dish, making it the ideal accompaniment for everything from weeknight dinners to festive holiday spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays an important role, providing freshness, crunch, richness, and bright notes, making the dish irresistibly delicious.
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed: Fresh green beans bring that vibrant green color and a crisp-tender texture essential for this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Used in the boiling water to season the beans from within, enhancing their natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps toast the almonds to a nutty perfection.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a silky mouthfeel and balances the butter’s richness.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds: Toasted to golden crunchiness, they offer that signature texture and toasty flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses subtle aromatic warmth that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Delivers a burst of fresh acidity to brighten every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of gentle heat and depth.
- Additional salt to taste: For final seasoning adjustments ensuring the flavors sing.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook them briefly for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender yet still vibrant and crisp. This quick blanching locks in color and texture while softening the beans enough to enjoy. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve that beautiful bright green hue. Drain well and set the beans aside, ready to be transformed.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
Heat the unsalted butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the sliced almonds. Stir them frequently for 3 to 4 minutes as they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This toasting process deepens their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to every bite of your Green Beans Almondine Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Combine
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned, releasing its savory aroma. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss thoroughly so each bean gets coated in the buttery almond mixture. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through, blending all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Seasonings
Finally, drizzle the lemon juice over the beans and sprinkle with black pepper and additional salt to taste. The lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness that balances the richness, making this Green Beans Almondine Recipe truly unforgettable. Serve warm and enjoy every vibrant, crunchy, buttery bite.
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra touch of flair, consider sprinkling a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top or scattering a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give subtle heat. A few additional toasted almond slices scattered on the plate can make for a stunning presentation that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty beef roast. Its crispness and nutty notes contrast beautifully with rich meats and creamy mashed potatoes, making it an excellent vegetable choice for holiday dinners or simple weeknight meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive or elegant touch, serve the green beans on a long platter garnished with thin lemon zest strips and sprinkled toasted almonds along the edges. Alternatively, place individual servings in small ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh parsley for a charming, personalized side dish presentation that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Green Beans Almondine Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, retaining their texture and flavor remarkably well if cooled quickly after serving.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to consume this dish fresh for the optimal crunchy texture. If you do freeze it, blanch the green beans properly beforehand and freeze them separately from the almond mixture to maintain better quality when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to refresh the crispness and warm through without overcooking. Adding a small splash of olive oil or butter can help revive the flavors and prevent the green beans from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent the almonds from toasting properly.
What if I don’t have sliced almonds?
Slivered or chopped almonds can work fine too. Just adjust the toasting time to prevent burning since smaller pieces brown faster. You could also try other nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different twist.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This version uses butter, so it isn’t vegan, but you can easily substitute with a plant-based margarine or all olive oil to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining delicious flavor.
How do I keep the green beans crispy?
Blanching in salted water and shocking in ice water stops the cooking process and helps lock in that crisp texture perfectly before sautéing with almonds and garlic.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds a few hours in advance. Just combine and finish cooking shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe is such a delightful way to make fresh green beans exciting and sophisticated. It’s quick to prepare, full of texture and flavor, and versatile enough for any meal occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find it becoming a staple side dish that brings a happy crunch and buttery warmth to your table every time. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
Print
Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish featuring tender-crisp green beans tossed with toasted sliced almonds, garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon juice. This easy and flavorful recipe combines a satisfying crunch with bright citrus notes, making it a perfect accompaniment to any main course, especially for holiday meals or simple weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon salt (for blanching)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Additional salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fats
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Nuts & Aromatics
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender yet still crisp. Promptly drain and transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil. Add the sliced almonds and toast them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning and to prevent burning. The almonds should be a golden brown color.
- Add Garlic and Green Beans: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them to coat with the almond, butter, and oil mixture. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans, season with black pepper and additional salt to taste. Toss one final time and serve the Green Beans Almondine warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- If using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.
- Toast almonds carefully as they can burn quickly; keep stirring to ensure even toasting.
