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Green Beans Almondine is made with fresh green beans that are sautéed until crisp-tender and then tossed with buttery, toasted almonds. Every bite is filled with nutty richness and a hint of lemon to brighten up the flavors.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, Fresh Flavor: The green beans are perfectly crisp and tender, and the buttery, nutty flavor is incredible.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe only requires four ingredients, plus water and salt! It feels fancy without the fuss!
- Versatile Side Dish: Pair Green Beans Almondine with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to steak, fish, and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Green beans are such a simple, everyday vegetable, but when you add buttery toasted almonds, they transform into something truly special. I could honestly eat them straight from the pan! For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.
- Sliced Almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the green beans.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps toast the almonds and adds richness to the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness.
- Green Beans: You’ll need 2 pounds, washed and trimmed.
- Water: This ensures the green beans cook to the perfect tenderness and retain their vibrant color.
- Salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors together.
Easy Green Beans Almondine Recipe
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have an elegant side ready in no time! It’s a fabulous option for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Plus, it’s so tasty that your family and friends will be begging for seconds!
- Toast the Almonds: Toast the almonds in a large skillet and cook over medium-low heat for about 6 minutes. Stir often to prevent them from burning.
- Melt the Butter: Once the almonds are lightly golden, add the butter and cook for about three more minutes, until the mixture has a nutty aroma and the butter is just starting to brown.
- Add Lemon Juice: Transfer the almond mixture to a small bowl, then stir in the lemon juice. Set aside.
- Sauté Green Beans: Add the green beans, water, and salt to the skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 6-8 minutes, until the beans are nearly tender.
- Cook Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue to cook for about 3 minutes until the liquid has evaporated.
- Toss: Remove the beans from the heat and toss them with the almond mixture until they are fully combined. Taste and season with additional salt if desired. Serve immediately.
My Top Green Bean Almondine Tips
These beans are the perfect side dish to serve alongside any meal—from holiday spreads to weeknight dinners! Here are some simple tips so you can make this recipe exactly how you want, and it will turn out wonderful!
- Cook in Boiling Water: Instead of cooking the green beans in a skillet, as instructed in steps 4-5, you may cook them by submerging them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes or until tender.
- Cut the Green Beans: You can cut the green beans into smaller pieces to make them easier to serve. Be sure to reduce the cooking time to 3-5 minutes instead of the 6-8 minutes called for in the recipe card.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some fresh lemon zest over the beans as they cook in the skillet for additional lemon flavor.
- Use Fresh Green Beans: I don’t recommend using canned or frozen green beans for this recipe, as they will become watery and mushy.
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store green beans almondine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in 20-30 second increments.
- Make Ahead: These green beans are best served hot and fresh, but, you can take a few steps to prepare them ahead of time.
- Blanche the green beans by submerging them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then transfer them immediately to a large bowl of ice water; use lots of ice to stop the cooking process!
- Store the cooled, cooked beans in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To finish the green beans, follow the recipe card except for steps 4-5. Instead of following those steps, cook the beans in the skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of water until they are heated through before resuming with step 6.
More Easy Side Dishes
A good side dish is the perfect way to complete any dinner. I have a wide variety of favorite side dishes that you’re sure to enjoy! Here are a few that always get rave reviews!
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Toast the almonds in a large skillet over medium-low heat for about 6 minutes. Stir often to prevent them from burning.
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Once the almonds are lightly golden, add the butter and cook for about 3 more minutes, until the mixture has a nutty aroma and the butter is just starting to brown.
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Transfer the almond mixture to a small bowl and stir in the lemon juice. Set aside.
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Add the green beans, water, and salt to the skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 6-8 minutes, until the beans are nearly tender.
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Remove the lid and continue to cook for about 3 minutes until the liquid has evaporated.
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Remove the beans from the heat and toss them with the almond mixture until fully combined. Taste and season with additional salt if desired. Serve immediately.
Calories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 914IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.