If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful side dish that’s both simple and elegant, the Green Beans Almondine Recipe is an absolute gem to have in your culinary repertoire. This classic dish offers crisp-tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds, a touch of garlic-infused butter, and a fresh burst of lemon, making it a fresh and satisfying accompaniment to countless meals. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers bright textures and zesty flavors that truly shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward and wholesome ingredients is the secret behind the Green Beans Almondine Recipe’s charm. Each component plays a crucial role: from the crunchy almonds adding texture, to the lemon juice brightening every bite, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
- 1 pound green beans (fresh, ends trimmed): Choose vibrant, firm green beans for the best crunch and color.
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil): Butter adds a rich, nutty depth, but olive oil works beautifully for a lighter touch.
- 1 clove garlic (crushed): Just a hint of garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (or slivered almonds): Toasted almonds bring satisfying crunch and a toasty nuttiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that lifts every bite.
- Lemon zest (optional): A sprinkle of zest intensifies the lemony freshness for a vibrant finish.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Step 1: Boil and Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your trimmed green beans and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is to achieve that perfect crisp-tender texture—soft enough to enjoy but still with a fresh snap. Immediately after boiling, plunge the green beans into an ice water bath. This shocking step is key to locking in that gorgeous bright green color and stopping the cooking process right where you want it.
Step 2: Toast Garlic and Almonds
While the green beans are chilling, grab the same pot and melt the butter (or warm the olive oil) over medium heat. Toss in the crushed garlic clove and sliced almonds, stirring frequently. Keep a close eye here—the garlic should turn a light golden brown and the almonds become beautifully toasted in just a couple of minutes. This toasting step is where the irresistible aroma fills your kitchen and layers of flavor develop.
Step 3: Mix and Warm the Green Beans
Drain the green beans from their ice bath and add them back into the pot with the toasted garlic and almonds. Sprinkle the salt and pour in the fresh lemon juice. Give everything a gentle toss to evenly coat the beans and let them warm through on the heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. The final toss ensures that every bite is infused with buttery, nutty, lemony goodness, ready to serve right away.
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a few more toasted almonds on top and grate some fresh lemon zest over the serving dish. These little finishing touches add crunch and a lifted citrus aroma that make the dish feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Green Beans Almondine Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a juicy steak. Its bright and nutty profile also complements hearty grain bowls or creamy mashed potatoes, bringing balance and contrast to richer main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow guests, serve the green beans on a large platter lined with lemon slices or sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill on top. Another idea is to toss the green beans into a warm salad with toasted bread cubes or crumbled feta to turn this classic side into a delightful centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Green Beans Almondine Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 2 to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, and the almonds retain their crunch if stored properly.
Freezing
While you can freeze green beans, it’s not ideal for maintaining the crisp-tender texture of this particular recipe. If you must freeze, blanch the beans first, then freeze separately without the almonds or lemon, as these can lose their texture and brightness upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the buttery coating and prevent overcooking the beans. Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice can help revive the brightness of the dish after warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this Green Beans Almondine Recipe?
Frozen green beans can be used in a pinch, but fresh green beans offer the best texture and vibrant color that makes this dish stand out. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid sogginess.
Can I substitute almonds with other nuts?
Absolutely! While almonds provide the classic crunch and flavor, you can experiment with pecans or walnuts for a slightly different nutty twist that still complements the green beans beautifully.
Is it necessary to blanch the green beans?
Blanching is a crucial step in this recipe to lock in that bright green color and crisp texture. Skipping this step may result in dull-colored, overcooked beans that are less appetizing.
What if I’m allergic to garlic?
You can simply omit the garlic and still enjoy a delicious Green Beans Almondine Recipe. Consider adding a pinch of onion powder or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor instead.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter substitute. The almonds and lemon will still provide plenty of flavor, making it a fantastic vegan side dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making the Green Beans Almondine Recipe—a dish that feels both timeless and refreshingly simple. Its perfect balance of fresh, buttery, crunchy, and zesty notes makes it an easy go-to for elevating any meal. Give it a try soon and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite side dishes to share with friends and family!
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
Description
A classic and vibrant Green Beans Almondine recipe featuring fresh green beans blanched to perfection and tossed with toasted almonds, garlic, and a bright lemon finish. This quick and easy side dish combines crisp-tender veggies with a nutty, buttery flavor that complements any meal.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 pound green beans, fresh, ends trimmed
Almondine Mixture
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- ¼ cup sliced or slivered almonds
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon zest, optional
Instructions
- Boil and Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Quickly transfer the green beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color. Once cooled, drain thoroughly.
- Toast Garlic and Almonds: While the green beans are chilling, place the butter or olive oil, crushed garlic, and sliced almonds into the now-empty large pot or a skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant, and the almonds are lightly toasted.
- Mix and Serve: Return the drained green beans to the pot with the almonds and garlic. Add salt and lemon juice, then toss everything together gently and warm through for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve immediately garnished with extra toasted almonds and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- To keep green beans crisp, do not overcook during boiling—aim for tender-crisp.
- Using olive oil instead of butter makes the dish dairy-free and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Lemon zest adds a fragrant citrus brightness but is optional.
- For added texture, sprinkle extra toasted almonds just before serving.
