Green Beans Almondine is the side dish that always manages to steal the show with its effortless elegance and irresistible crunch. Picture vivid green beans perfectly cooked until tender-crisp, tossed with buttery toasted almonds, fresh garlic, and bright lemon juice—the result is a dish that’s both wholesome and impressively sophisticated. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, Green Beans Almondine fits beautifully, making veggies feel special while delivering delightful textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with its simplicity—every ingredient is chosen for its impact. Crisp green beans provide the heart of the dish, toasted almonds add irresistible crunch, lemon promises brightness, and just the right amount of butter and olive oil help everything meld into one memorably delicious side.
- Green beans: Fresh and trimmed—look for beans that are vibrant and snappy for the best texture and color.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the blanching water and perking up flavors at the finish.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the almonds toast up beautifully.
- Olive oil: Balances the richness of the butter while keeping the dish light and bright.
- Sliced almonds: Thin slivers provide a golden crunch that defines Green Beans Almondine.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings aromatic depth and savory notes.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity lifts the flavors and adds a lovely freshness at the end.
- Black pepper: Just a touch rounds out the seasoning without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Additional salt to taste: Let your palate decide the perfect finish.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—think of this as your green beans’ quick spa treatment! Toss in the trimmed green beans and blanch them for three to four minutes. You’re looking for that moment when they turn just tender but still keep a delightful crunch. Quickly drain them and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking and lock in that glowingly fresh color. Once cool, drain them again and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
In a large skillet, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling gently, add your sliced almonds. Watch them closely—they’ll turn golden and fragrant after about three to four minutes. Stir frequently so they toast evenly; this is when that unmistakable Almondine aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Garlic
Right when the almonds reach perfection, sprinkle in your freshly minced garlic. Sauté for about thirty seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant without browning. This small step will infuse the butter and oil with a gentle garlicky backdrop.
Step 4: Sauté the Green Beans
Add the cooled, well-drained green beans straight into the skillet. Toss them well with the almond-garlic mixture, making sure every bean glistens with buttery goodness and catches a few almond slices. Cook for another two to three minutes so everything heats through and the beans soak up all those lovely flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Drizzle the cooked beans with fresh lemon juice and season with a few grinds of black pepper and a pinch more salt if needed. The citrus brings the whole dish alive! Serve warm, and watch these Green Beans Almondine disappear from the table.
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine
Garnishes
For an eye-catching and flavorful touch, sprinkle a few extra toasted almonds right before serving and maybe a little lemon zest for brightness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of grated Parmesan can take this classic up a notch.
Side Dishes
Green Beans Almondine pairs effortlessly with almost anything. It’s a dream alongside roast chicken, seared salmon, holiday prime rib, or even as part of a vegetarian spread. The dish brings a balance of texture and flavor that helps other mains shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the green beans high on a large platter or arranging them in a neat row for a more modern look. For individual servings, bundle beans with a twine or chive, then spoon almonds on top—perfect for dinner parties! A drizzle of extra lemon juice or a few pomegranate arils can make the presentation pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Green Beans Almondine left after dinner, simply let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them great for meal-prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
While you can freeze Green Beans Almondine, keep in mind that the beans may lose some of their signature snap once thawed. If you do freeze, use an airtight container and enjoy within one month for the best results. Reheat straight from frozen, but expect a slightly softer texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through. This method keeps the almonds crispy and prevents the beans from turning mushy, keeping your Green Beans Almondine as close to fresh as possible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the green beans and pat them dry before sautéing. While fresh beans offer a brighter color and crispness, frozen still work beautifully in Green Beans Almondine when you’re short on time or out of season.
What’s the best way to toast almonds without burning them?
Use medium heat and stir the almonds often while sautéing. They can switch from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye (and nose) on them as you cook, and remove them from the heat once they’ve reached a nutty, toasty brown.
Can I make Green Beans Almondine ahead of time?
Yes! You can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds ahead, storing them separately. When you’re ready to serve, just finish with the garlic, assemble everything in the skillet, and refresh with lemon juice for a straight-from-the-pan feel.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Simply swap the butter for an equal amount of a plant-based alternative or add a touch more olive oil. The flavors and textures will still be wonderfully spot-on, and Green Beans Almondine will remain entirely plant-based.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a fantastic side dish for gluten-sensitive guests or anyone who wants wholesome, approachable vegetables with no fuss.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing a platter of Green Beans Almondine—each bite is crisp, buttery, bright, and a little fancy, without any of the fuss. Give this recipe a try and see how quickly it becomes your new go-to for holidays, family dinners, or just a delicious way to love your greens!
