Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love Green Beans Almondine because it uses a short list of simple ingredients while still delivering plenty of flavor. Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch, butter adds richness, and lemon balances everything with a fresh, tangy finish.

I also like that the green beans stay crisp-tender rather than becoming overly soft. A quick blanch followed by a brief sauté gives me beans with a vibrant color and pleasant bite.

This recipe is also versatile enough to accompany many main dishes. I serve it with chicken, beef, fish, turkey, or other roasted and grilled dishes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh green beans
• Sliced almonds
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley, optional

Directions

1. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water heats, I trim the ends from the green beans.
2. I add the green beans to the boiling water and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
3. I immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water. I let them cool briefly, then drain and dry them thoroughly.
4. I place a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. I toast them for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. I transfer them to a plate so they don’t continue browning.
5. I add the butter and olive oil to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, I add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds.
6. I add the drained green beans and toss them in the garlic butter. I sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes, until they are heated through.
7. I add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. I toss everything together until the beans are evenly seasoned.
8. I return most of the toasted almonds to the skillet and gently toss them with the green beans.
9. I transfer the Green Beans Almondine to a serving dish and finish with the remaining toasted almonds and fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

I usually make enough Green Beans Almondine for about 4 to 6 servings.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

Variations

For a richer version, I use browned butter instead of regular melted butter. I let the butter cook until it develops a nutty aroma before adding the garlic and green beans.

When I want extra citrus flavor, I increase the lemon zest or add another squeeze of fresh lemon juice immediately before serving.

I sometimes add finely chopped shallots and sauté them before adding the garlic. They give the dish a mild sweetness that pairs nicely with the almonds and green beans.

For a cheesy variation, I finish the beans with freshly grated Parmesan. I can also add a small amount of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor.

If I want a slightly sweeter version, I add dried cranberries along with the toasted almonds. I especially like this variation for holiday meals.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Green Beans Almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I let the beans cool before transferring them to the container.

For the best texture, I reheat the green beans in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes. I sometimes add a small amount of butter or olive oil while reheating.

I can also use the microwave for a quicker option, heating the beans in short intervals until warm. I avoid overheating them because I want to preserve as much of their crisp texture as possible.

I don’t usually freeze Green Beans Almondine because the beans can become softer after thawing, and the almonds can lose their crunch.

FAQs

What does Almondine mean?

Almondine, also called amandine, refers to a preparation finished or garnished with almonds. For this dish, I combine green beans with toasted sliced almonds and butter to create the classic flavor and texture.

Can I make Green Beans Almondine ahead of time?

Yes. I can blanch the green beans ahead of time, cool them in ice water, dry them thoroughly, and refrigerate them. I then finish them in the skillet with butter, garlic, lemon, and almonds shortly before serving.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes. I can use frozen green beans when fresh ones aren’t available. I cook them according to the package instructions until just tender, drain them thoroughly, and then finish them in the skillet. I find that fresh green beans generally give me a crisper texture.

Why do I put the green beans in ice water?

I transfer the cooked beans to ice water to quickly stop the cooking process. This helps me prevent overcooking and keeps the beans crisp-tender with a vibrant green color.

What can I serve with Green Beans Almondine?

I like serving Green Beans Almondine with roasted chicken, turkey, steak, pork, salmon, or other fish. I also pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or other vegetable dishes for holiday and everyday meals.

Conclusion

Green Beans Almondine is one of my favorite side dishes when I want something simple, fresh, and elegant. I love how crisp-tender green beans pair with buttery toasted almonds, fragrant garlic, and bright lemon. Since I can prepare the entire dish in about 20 minutes, it works just as well for an easy weeknight dinner as it does for a holiday table or special occasion.

Green Beans Almondine Recipe

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Green Beans Almondine is an elegant side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans, buttery toasted almonds, garlic, and fresh lemon. Ready in about 20 minutes, it is equally suited to weeknight dinners, holidays, and special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Blanching and Sautéing
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• Fresh green beans
• Sliced almonds
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley, optional

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water heats, trim the ends from the green beans.
2. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender.
3. Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water. Let them cool briefly, then drain and dry thoroughly.
4. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer the almonds to a plate.
5. Add the butter and olive oil to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the drained green beans and toss them in the garlic butter. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
7. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the beans are evenly seasoned.
8. Return most of the toasted almonds to the skillet and gently toss them with the green beans.
9. Transfer to a serving dish and finish with the remaining toasted almonds and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Transfer the blanched green beans immediately to ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their crisp texture and vibrant color.
• For a richer variation, brown the butter until nutty and fragrant before adding the garlic and green beans.
• Add extra lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a stronger citrus flavor.
• Finely chopped shallots can be sautéed before the garlic for additional sweetness and savory flavor.
• Freshly grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or goat cheese can be added for a cheesy variation.
• Add dried cranberries with the toasted almonds for a slightly sweet holiday variation.
• Frozen green beans can replace fresh beans. Cook until just tender, drain thoroughly, and finish them in the skillet.
• The green beans can be blanched, cooled, dried, and refrigerated ahead of time, then finished in the skillet shortly before serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• For the best texture, reheat gently in a skillet with a small amount of butter or olive oil.
• Freezing is not recommended because the green beans can soften and the almonds may lose their crunch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg