If you are on the hunt for a vibrant and flavorful vegetable side that feels both elegant and effortless, this Green Beans Almondine Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines crisp-tender green beans with the buttery crunch of toasted almonds and a bright splash of lemon juice, creating a dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you are dressing up a holiday table or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this classic French-inspired recipe offers the perfect balance of textures and fresh flavors that will make green beans a star on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something special to the dish—whether it’s texture, brightness, or richness. Together they create a beautiful harmony of taste and color that makes this Green Beans Almondine Recipe truly shine.
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed: Choose bright green, firm beans for the best crunchy texture.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Used in the blanching water to enhance flavor and retain vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness that marries beautifully with the almonds.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a silky base for toasting the almonds and sautéing garlic.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds: Toasted to golden perfection, they add irresistible crunch and nuttiness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Just the right amount for a subtle savory kick without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh acidity and balances the buttery nuts.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough peppery warmth.
- Additional salt to taste: To perfectly season and bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this salts the beans from within, enhancing their natural flavor and helping them maintain their vibrant color. Add the green beans and blanch them for just 3 to 4 minutes, until they are tender but still have a nice crisp bite. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their gorgeous green color. Then, drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds and Sauté Garlic
While the beans cool, heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced almonds and stir frequently as they toast to a golden brown—this step unlocks their nutty aroma and crunch. Just as the almonds reach that perfect golden shade, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. The garlic should never brown too much, or it will become bitter, so keep an eye on it!
Step 3: Combine and Finish Cooking
Add the blanched green beans to your skillet, tossing everything together so each bean is coated with the buttery, garlicky almond mixture. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat the beans through and marry the flavors completely. Before serving, drizzle with fresh lemon juice for that bright pop and season with black pepper and additional salt as needed. Your Green Beans Almondine Recipe is ready to wow.
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra toasted almonds on top just before serving for added texture and visual appeal. A light grating of fresh lemon zest can also boost brightness without overpowering the dish. For a touch of sophistication, try a few shavings of Parmesan cheese, which harmonizes beautifully with the nutty almonds.
Side Dishes
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe pairs perfectly with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork, and it elevates any holiday spread with its elegant simplicity. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all the buttery goodness. It’s also a fresh contrast to richer mains like beef stew or fried chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the beans on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges and scattered almonds, inviting guests to help themselves. Alternatively, toss the beans with cooked quinoa or farro for a light salad, adding cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs to turn it into a vibrant warm side dish that doubles as a healthy option for lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Green Beans Almondine Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The almonds retain their crunch nicely, making it just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
Freezing green beans almondine is not recommended because the texture of both the green beans and toasted almonds tends to degrade upon thawing. The beans can become mushy, and the nuts lose their crunchiness, which are key to the dish’s appeal.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the beans or burning the almonds. Add a splash of water or a small pat of butter if needed to keep everything moist, heating just until warmed through. This will help preserve the fresh flavors and pleasant texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry well before sautéing. This will prevent excess moisture from diluting the buttery almond sauce and keep the dish from getting soggy.
What can I substitute for lemon juice if I don’t have any?
A splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can serve as a good substitute, adding the necessary acidity to brighten the dish. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the almonds and green beans.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this Green Beans Almondine Recipe vegan, simply replace the unsalted butter with an additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. This will maintain the richness without using dairy.
Can I add other nuts instead of almonds?
While almonds are traditional for Green Beans Almondine, toasted cashews, pecans, or walnuts can be delicious substitutes. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor and texture, and be mindful of their different oil contents.
How do I keep the green beans crisp and vibrant green?
The key is to blanch the beans just until they turn tender-crisp and then shock them in ice water immediately. This stops the cooking process and locks in the bright green color and crunchiness.
Final Thoughts
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe is a timeless side dish that effortlessly balances freshness, texture, and flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels at home both on a festive holiday table and a simple weeknight dinner. Once you try it, the combination of crisp green beans and buttery toasted almonds with a hint of lemon will quickly become a cherished classic in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a spin and watch this delightful side dish steal the spotlight!
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 sautéed with toasted almonds, garlic, and a hint of lemon. This easy, flavorful preparation combines the crunch of toasted almonds with the fresh, vibrant taste of green beans, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially during holidays or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon salt (for blanching)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Additional salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Nuts and 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 trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Toast the almonds: In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
- Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the toasted almonds and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Sauté the green beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them well to coat with the buttery almond and garlic mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beans are heated through.
- Season and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the green beans with lemon juice, then season with black pepper and additional salt to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
- If using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture during sautéing.
