Green Beans Almondine combines French-style fresh green beans, toasted almonds, fresh minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice into a fantastic side dish for many entrees. This gorgeous side dish comes together quickly and easily, making it a favorite for holidays and dinner parties.
Learn how to make classic green beans almondine with the added crunch and flavor of almonds. To make preparation easier for a dinner party, blanch the green beans in advance and toast the almonds. If you like this quick and easy side recipe, try honey-roasted carrots, sauteed spinach, green beans and potatoes, and roasted turnips.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Fresh green beans: I like French-style green beans because they are longer, more slender, and more tender than regular green beans. But regular green beans can be substituted in a pinch.
- Butter: unsalted or salted.
- Almonds: use sliced or slivered. For the best flavor, toast until fragrant.
- Seasonings: fresh garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper
How to make Green Beans Almondine
First, blanch the green beans and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Then drain them and dry them.
Heat a little olive oil and melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds and cook until fragrant and lightly browned. Plate the almonds.
Heat a bit more olive oil and melt a bit more butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans and cook them for about 5 minutes or until crisp-tender, tossing frequently.
Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic, and cook for a minute. Add the lemon juice and cook for another minute. Add the almonds back to the pan and toss to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Preparation Tips
- For optimal flavor, use fresh green beans. I like haricot verts or French-style green beans. They are slightly longer and skinnier than regular green beans, harvested earlier, and more tender.
- Don’t skip the ice bath. It is essential to stop the cooking process.
- Use sliced or slivered almonds. They both work equally well with this recipe.
- Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest, or seasoned salt.
Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or the microwave at reduced power. The almonds will have lost some crunchiness, but the dish will still taste delicious.
Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or the microwave at reduced power.
So, if your family loves green beans like mine, put these Green Beans with Toasted Almonds and Garlic on your to-cook list. They will love them, and you can have your moment of glory!!
More Side Dish Recipe
Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb french green beans
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or slivered almonds
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and plunge into a large bowl of ice water. When cooled, drain well and dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter and heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, add the sliced or slivered almonds and cook until fragrant and lightly browned, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and plate.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter and heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, tossing frequently. Reduce the heat to low. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add the almonds back to the pan and stir to combine, or spoon the green bean mixture into a serving dish and top with almonds.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, use fresh green beans. I like haricot verts or French-style green beans. They are slightly longer and skinnier than regular green beans, harvested earlier, and more tender.
- Don’t skip the ice bath. It is essential to stop the cooking process.
- Use sliced or slivered almonds. They both work equally well with this recipe.
- Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest, or seasoned salt.
Nutrition
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Nettie
Hi Beth, I would like to know if you still blanch frozen thin skinny beans.
Getting it ready tonight ahead of time for tomorrow.
Beth Pierce
So sorry about the delay. I have had a miserable head cold and fever. Yes I would blanch the skinny beans but for a short time like 1-2 minutes and then plunge in ice water.
Lavanda Michelle
I love green beans almondine! They are delicious and perfect for our family dinners, especially with those toasted almonds and garlic.
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh
Green beans almondine is a timeless side dish! I love the crunch from the almonds.
Beth Pierce
Me too!
Cheli
My dad is always bugging me about coming up with ideas for sides when the family comes together for dinners on the weekend. These green beans would be a hit over here, I think. I’ll have to give the recipe a try!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Cheli! Enjoy!
Karen C
These green beans were sooooooo delicious….Add to it toasted almonds and garlic, yummmmmmm….This is so good and easy to make. Thanks a lot.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Karen!
Laura
This looks fantastic! You’ve just inspired me to make this for dinner tonight. Green beans & almonds are a perfect combo, add the lemon, garlic, olive oil — yum!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks. Laura! Enjoy!
Michelle
My first time making green beans almondine at home and it turned out perfect! Very elegant side dish for a special dinner!
Catherine W
I tried the Green Beans Almondine, and it was such a refreshing side dish! The buttery almonds and crisp-tender green beans were a perfect match. This dish is elegant, yet so easy to make—I’m adding it to my regular rotation.
Krystle S
This is definitely a bonus for busy dinner parties or holiday meals. The fresh green beans retained a perfect crisp-tender texture, complemented beautifully by the crunch of toasted almonds.
nancy
those roasted almond slices made such a difference. It was really aromatic. And the beans so tasty
Khush
It makes the perfect side dish. It’s easy and delicious and works with so many entrees. I think I am going to put it on the Thanksgiving menu!
Jupiter
I have honestly never thought about combining green beans and nuts! What an interesting and different side dish.