If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet stunning side dish, you’ve got to try this Green Beans Almondine Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually super easy to pull together—trust me, I’ve made it for casual weeknights and even holiday dinners when I wanted something fresh and a little special. The nuttiness of the toasted almonds paired with garlicky green beans will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail it every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Green Beans Almondine Recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted almonds add a beautiful texture and depth to tender green beans, creating a satisfying bite.
- Versatile Flavor: It pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to holiday ham, making it a staple side dish you’ll reach for often.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Green Beans Almondine Recipe is how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both elegant and approachable. When shopping, look for fresh, bright green beans and good-quality olive oil to maximize flavor.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: I use this for its subtle fruity flavor and health benefits; it enhances the almonds without overpowering them.
- Sliced almonds: Toast these just until golden for a rich nuttiness—don’t skip this step or you’ll miss out on that amazing crunch.
- Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, ideally medium-thin so they cook evenly and stay tender-crisp.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings warmth and depth—a little goes a long way here.
- Kosher salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the natural sweetness of the beans.
Variations
While I love the classic approach to this Green Beans Almondine Recipe, I’ve found a few tweaks that bring a fresh twist depending on your mood or occasion. Feel free to make this dish your own!
- Adding lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice: I sometimes add this for a bright, tangy contrast that wakes up the nuts and green beans beautifully.
- Using butter instead of olive oil: For a richer, slightly creamy finish, swapping some or all of the oil for butter works like a charm—my family loves this variation especially around holidays.
- Mixing in fresh herbs: Thyme or parsley stirred in at the end gives an herbal freshness that complements the almonds wonderfully.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Almonds to Perfection
Start by heating a teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them, stirring often, for about 2 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell nutty. I like to keep a close eye here because almonds can go from toasted to burnt quickly. Once golden, transfer them to a plate and set aside—the toasted almonds bring that signature crunch and flavor to this dish.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans Until Tender-Crisp
Next, add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium. Toss in the trimmed green beans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to become bright green and just tender—soft enough to enjoy, but still with a little snap. If you like your beans softer, cook a minute or two longer, but be careful not to overcook or you’ll lose that fresh vibrant taste.
Step 3: Finish with Garlic and Almonds
Once the beans are almost ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its wonderful aroma. Then, stir in the toasted almonds and sprinkle with kosher salt to taste. Give everything a quick toss to combine and serve immediately—you’re going to love the way these flavors mingle.
Pro Tips for Making Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Watch Those Almonds: Toast almonds on medium heat and keep moving them in the pan to avoid burning—burnt nuts taste bitter and will throw off the dish.
- Prep Your Beans Right: Trim the stems and rinse well, but don’t over soak them—this keeps their texture crisp and fresh when cooked.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Adding garlic just at the end boosts flavor without chance of burning it, which can make the dish bitter.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and good olive oil make all the difference for the best flavor in this recipe.
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep things simple with this Green Beans Almondine Recipe when it comes to garnishes—sometimes a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a scattering of extra toasted almonds on top adds a nice pop of color and texture. For special occasions, a light grating of lemon zest is a brilliant way to brighten things up without overpowering the classic flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a juicy steak. I’ve also served it with mashed potatoes or wild rice for a comforting meal. When I bring this dish to holiday dinners, it’s a favorite next to honey-glazed ham—the crunch and garlicky notes really complement the savory meats.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to serve this Green Beans Almondine Recipe in a pretty shallow bowl or on a long serving platter—this lets the glossy green beans and toasted almonds shine. You can also toss in a few edible flowers or fresh herb sprigs like thyme for an elegant touch. Layering the almonds on top just before serving keeps that perfect crunch front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Beans Almondine keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store the almonds separately if I can and add them back just before reheating to keep that fresh crunch, but if not, it’s still tasty when reheated altogether.
Freezing
I don’t typically freeze this recipe because the almonds and green beans can lose their texture, becoming a bit soggy. If you do want to freeze it, I recommend blanching the green beans first and freezing them plain—then toast fresh almonds and add after reheating for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer to warm the green beans gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes with a splash of olive oil to keep them from drying out. If the almonds have softened, you can toast a handful fresh and toss them in at the end to bring back some crunch.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen green beans for this Green Beans Almondine Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans if fresh aren’t available. I recommend thawing and patting them dry first, then cooking them in the skillet until heated through and tender. Keep in mind that the texture might be a bit softer compared to fresh beans.
-
What are the best nuts to use if I don’t have almonds?
Almonds are classic here for their mild, buttery flavor and crunch, but you can experiment with chopped pecans or walnuts if you prefer. Just toast them similarly for great flavor. Pine nuts can also be delicious and add a slightly different but still delightful twist.
-
How do I keep my green beans bright green when cooking?
Cooking green beans over medium heat and stirring occasionally helps retain their vivid color. Also, avoid overcooking by testing them often—they should be tender but still crisp. Blanching them quickly in boiling water before sautéing is another trick to lock in that vibrant green.
-
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Some people like to toss in sliced mushrooms or shallots when cooking the green beans, which adds extra flavor. Just sauté them first until softened before adding your beans to keep the cooking times balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe truly feels like an effortless way to elevate your meal, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion. I’ve made it countless times, and every time it hits the table, it brings that perfect mix of crunch, freshness, and savory garlic flavor that gets everyone asking for the recipe. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a side dish that’s both impressive and reliably delicious, and I can’t wait for you to taste it!
Print
Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This classic Green Beans Almondine recipe features tender green beans sautéed with toasted sliced almonds and fragrant garlic for a simple yet elegant side dish. The almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bright, buttery green beans, making it a perfect accompaniment to any main course.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Toast the almonds: Heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate to prevent burning.
- Cook the green beans: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the trimmed green beans and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn bright green and are just tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add garlic and combine: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the green beans and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant, around 1 minute. Then, return the toasted almonds to the skillet, add the kosher salt, and stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to burn the almonds when toasting; watch them closely and remove promptly when golden.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some or all of the olive oil with unsalted butter.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- To add extra brightness, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
