If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s simple, elegant, and packs a delightful crunch, then you’re going to love this Green Beans Almondine Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe transforms humble green beans into something so vibrant and flavorful with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this dish reliably impresses without demanding tons of time or fancy techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prep and cooking take just about 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect Crunch: Toasted almonds add that delightful nutty crunch that complements tender green beans perfectly.
- Fresh and Light: Garlic and olive oil give it a flavor boost without weighing it down.
- Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this as a side to everything from roasted chicken to grilled fish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a simple but important role: bringing out bright flavors and a satisfying texture. When shopping for green beans, pick ones that look fresh and firm without any spots—they’ll make a big difference in the final dish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps toast the almonds beautifully.
- Sliced almonds: The star crunch element; make sure they’re fresh for the best nutty flavor.
- Green beans: Fresh and crisp, trimmed at the ends for even cooking.
- Garlic cloves: Provide a wonderful aromatic layer that wakes up the dish.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Variations
I love to tweak this Green Beans Almondine Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. It’s a super versatile side, so don’t be shy about making it your own.
- Add lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon: I discovered this trick when I wanted an extra zing — it brightens the dish beautifully.
- Swap almonds for other nuts like walnuts or pecans: My kids enjoyed this variation when we ran out of almonds, and it gave a fun twist.
- Include red pepper flakes: If you like a little heat, this adds an unexpected but delicious kick.
- Make it vegan-friendly: Just ensure your olive oil is good quality, and you’re already there.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Almonds to Perfection
Start by heating 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced almonds and let them toast, stirring frequently so they brown evenly without burning. This usually takes about 2 minutes. You want a beautiful golden color and that irresistible nutty fragrance. As soon as they’re toasted, set them aside on a plate to stop cooking—trust me, leaving them in the hot pan will turn them bitter.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans Until Tender-Crisp
Using the same skillet (because who wants more dishes?), add the remaining olive oil and medium heat. Add your trimmed green beans and stir occasionally as they cook. They should become bright green and tender but still with a little crunch — this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. If you overcook, they lose their snap and color, so keep an eye on them!
Step 3: Add Garlic, Almonds, and Seasoning
Once the beans are just about ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Then gently fold in those toasted almonds and sprinkle with kosher salt to taste. Give everything one last stir to combine the flavors, and you’re done! It really doesn’t get easier or more delicious than this.
Pro Tips for Making Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Toast Almonds Separately: Toasting them first helps lock in flavor and prevents sogginess when added back to the beans.
- Don’t Overcook Your Green Beans: Keep them crisp-tender to preserve their vibrant color and texture.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Mince it finely and add just at the end to avoid bitterness.
- Season at the End: Salt brightens flavors but add it last to avoid drawing out too much water during cooking.
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish this dish with a little extra toasted almond slices on top for presentation and that extra crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or even a few lemon zest curls just before serving to give it a fresh, zesty lift.
Side Dishes
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty steak. I’ve also served it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting combo that gets rave reviews every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to arrange the beans neatly on a pretty platter, sprinkle the almonds evenly, and finish with thin lemon slices around the edge. It looks so inviting and festive — like a dish from a fancy French bistro right on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the green beans may soften a bit after refrigeration, so I like to reheat gently to avoid mushiness.
Freezing
Freezing Green Beans Almondine isn’t my favorite because the almonds lose their crunch and the green beans can get watery when thawed. But if you want to freeze, spread the cooked beans and almonds flat in a single layer on a tray first, freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating
I prefer reheating this dish in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil to freshen it up without drying it out. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the beans a bit soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen green beans for this Green Beans Almondine Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet. Cooking times might be a bit shorter since frozen beans are usually pre-blanched.
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What can I substitute for sliced almonds?
If you don’t have sliced almonds on hand, chopped walnuts or pecans work beautifully and provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
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How do I keep the almonds from burning?
Toast the almonds over medium heat and stir frequently. As soon as they turn golden and fragrant, remove them immediately from the heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
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Can I prepare this Green Beans Almondine Recipe ahead of time?
You can toast the almonds ahead and store them separately. Cook and season the green beans closer to serving time for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Green Beans Almondine Recipe a try soon — it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy without the fuss, and always earns compliments. I still remember the first time I made it for a dinner party; people kept asking for seconds, and I was secretly thrilled at how effortlessly it came together. Once you nail that perfect lightly toasted almond crunch paired with tender green beans, you’ll have a simple yet elegant side in your back pocket for any occasion.
Print
Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Green Beans Almondine is a classic French-inspired side dish featuring tender green beans sautéed with toasted sliced almonds and garlic in extra-virgin olive oil. This simple, flavorful recipe highlights the crispness of fresh green beans complemented by the rich nuttiness of almonds, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
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 toast them until they are golden brown, which should take about 2 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. Once toasted, transfer the almonds to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the green beans: In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the trimmed green beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn bright green and become tender yet still crisp. This process takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add garlic and combine: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the green beans and cook, stirring often, until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, stir in the toasted almonds and kosher salt until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
Notes
- To keep green beans bright green and crisp, avoid overcooking and monitor closely during the sautéing step.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can substitute sliced almonds with slivered or chopped almonds.
- If desired, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
- Use kosher salt as specified, but adjust quantity to taste if using table salt, which is finer.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 95g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
