The rich, nutty aroma of toasted almonds mingling with the bright zest of lemon fills the kitchen, instantly lifting my mood. This Green Beans Almondine recipe is my go-to side dish when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With its vibrant green beans and delicate crunch of almonds, this elegant yet simple French classic transforms any meal into a celebration. It’s easy to whip up—perfect for weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, and it’s vegetarian, appealing to everyone at the table. Trust me, once you try this delightful twist on a traditional favorite, it’ll quickly become a staple you can’t resist! Let’s dive into the delicious world of Green Beans Almondine and discover how this unbeatable combination can elevate your cooking!
Why is green beans almondine a must-try?
Simplicity: This dish only requires a few fresh ingredients, making it quick to prepare without compromising on flavor.
Elegant Presentation: The vibrant green color paired with the crunch of toasted almonds creates a visually stunning side that’s perfect for any dinner table.
Versatile Pairing: Green Beans Almondine harmonizes beautifully with various main dishes, from roasted meats to pasta, making it an adaptable option.
Flavor Explosion: The bright lemon juice and nutty almonds enhance the beans, leading to a refreshing taste that your guests will remember.
Nutrition Boost: This low-calorie side dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
As a time-saving tip, pre-prepping your green beans makes for stress-free gatherings while still ensuring freshness!
Green Beans Almondine Ingredients
For the Vegetable Base
• Green Beans – Fresh haricot verts are ideal; their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture shine in this dish.
For the Nutty Flavor
• Sliced Almonds – Toast until golden for a delightful crunch; consider pine nuts or hazelnuts as tasty substitutes.
For the Cooking Oil
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness during sautéing; butter can be used for a classic flavor profile.
For the Sweetness
• Shallot – This adds a touch of sweetness and depth; onion or leeks work well as alternatives if needed.
For Seasoning
• Sea Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; feel free to adjust according to taste.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a bit of heat; you can customize the amount to your liking.
For Aromatics
• Garlic Clove – A fragrant addition that elevates the dish; omit for a milder finish if preferred.
For Brightness
• Fresh Lemon Juice – This crucial ingredient balances richness and brightens the dish; vinegar can be used in a pinch.
The Green Beans Almondine ingredients come together to create a delightful experience that’s simple yet sophisticated, making it the perfect companion for any meal!
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
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Blanch Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the trimmed green beans and blanch for about 2 minutes until they’re crisp-tender.
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Ice Bath: Quickly transfer the blanched beans to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This will help maintain their vibrant color and fresh crunch. Drain and pat dry.
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Toast Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown. Set aside.
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Sauté Shallot: In the same skillet, warm the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped shallot and a sprinkle of sea salt. Sauté for 2 minutes until the shallots become soft and translucent.
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Sauté Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans back into the skillet. Sauté them for 2-4 minutes, tossing until they are heated through and coated in the shallot mixture.
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Finish with Garlic and Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh lemon juice, ensuring everything is well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Serve: Transfer the beautifully decorated green beans to a serving dish and generously top with the toasted almonds for that perfect crunch.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Green Beans Almondine
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Blanching Technique: Ensure beans remain vibrant and crisp by blanching. Aim for just a couple of minutes; undercooking ensures they retain their crunch.
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Perfect Toasting: For the best toasted almonds, keep a close eye; they can burn quickly. Stir constantly to achieve an even golden brown.
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Balanced Flavor: Don’t skip the lemon juice! It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the oil and nuts, making the green beans almondine unforgettable.
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Cooking Time Adjustments: Tailor the sautéing time based on your preference for bean tenderness. Test for texture as you warm to avoid overcooking.
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Make-Ahead Advice: For stress-free entertaining, blanch your green beans a day in advance. This way, you’ll enjoy the flavors without rushing before your guests arrive.
What to Serve with Green Beans Almondine?
Elevate your meal with stunning side dishes that amplify the flavors of this delightful green bean dish.
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Roasted Lemon Chicken: Juicy, herb-infused chicken brings a zestful pairing, enhancing the dish’s lemony brightness while adding hearty protein.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the crunchy green beans, creating a deliciously satisfying plate.
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Quinoa Salad: This nutty salad, packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, complements the almond crunch beautifully while adding vibrant colors.
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Herb-Crusted Salmon: The flaky, flavorful fish pairs wonderfully, merging fresh herbs and lemon zest that resonate with the Green Beans Almondine.
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, harmonizing perfectly against the dish’s bright taste.
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Pasta Primavera: Light, sautéed vegetables nestled among tender pasta create a wonderful lightness, highlighting the freshness of the green bean dish.
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Chardonnay Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay offers a refreshing splash, highlighting the nutty almonds and bright lemon flavors delightfully.
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Lemon Sorbet: A light, refreshing dessert cleanses the palate while echoing the lemony notes from the main dish—an ideal sweet finish!
Green Beans Almondine Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe—there are endless ways to customize and enhance your Green Beans Almondine!
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Nut Alternatives: Substitute almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Each nut brings its unique taste and texture that elevate the dish.
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Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or even dill can be added for an aromatic twist. Simply stir them in at the end for a burst of freshness.
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Veggie Medley: Incorporate other vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes, for added flavor and color. This not only diversifies the dish but also makes it more nutritious!
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Cheesy Delight: Grate some Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving for a savory, creamy finish. The salty richness of cheese complements the dish beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to bring in some heat. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a little spice!
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Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice for lime or orange juice to give a fruitier zest. Each citrus option will deliver a refreshing and unique flavor.
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Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic reduction right before serving adds a sweet and tangy contrast that will amaze your palate.
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Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth instead of oil for sautéing, and skip the garlic if you’re avoiding alliums. It still maintains a great flavor without the animal products.
Let your imagination run wild and make this classic dish your own!
How to Store and Freeze Green Beans Almondine
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Room Temperature: Green Beans Almondine should ideally be served fresh, but if left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure food safety.
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Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the beans’ crispness.
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Freezer: While not recommended for optimal texture, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Before freezing, omit the almonds and lemon juice, as they don’t freeze well.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then sauté with a bit of olive oil until warmed through. Add fresh lemon juice and toasted almonds just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Green Beans Almondine in advance is a fantastic time-saver for busy weeknights or special gatherings! You can blanch the green beans up to 24 hours ahead, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. Additionally, you can toast the almonds ahead of time and keep them stored separately to preserve their crunch. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the shallots, reheat the blanched green beans in the skillet for 2-4 minutes, and finish with garlic and lemon juice just before serving. This approach ensures that your Green Beans Almondine is just as delicious and vibrant, saving you time without sacrificing flavor!
Green Beans Almondine Recipe FAQs
What kind of green beans should I use for Green Beans Almondine?
For the best result, I recommend using fresh haricot verts, which are thinner and more tender than regular green beans. Look for bright green, firm beans with a crisp texture; avoid those with dark spots or signs of wilting.
How should I store leftover Green Beans Almondine?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can lose some crispness, so gently reheat them in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to help regain some of that vibrant texture.
Can I freeze Green Beans Almondine?
Absolutely! To freeze, it’s best to omit the toasted almonds and lemon juice. Allow the dish to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet, adding the lemon juice and almonds fresh just before serving.
How do I prevent the green beans from becoming overcooked?
To maintain their bright color and crisp texture, blanch the beans for only 2 minutes, then plunge them immediately into an ice bath. This stops the cooking process. When sautéing, keep a close eye on them, as you want them heated through, not overcooked.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
This dish contains nuts and garlic, which can trigger allergies. If you or your guests have nut allergies, you could substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds for crunch or omit them altogether. For garlic sensitivity, consider leaving it out for a milder flavor.
Can I make Green Beans Almondine ahead of time?
Yes! To save time, you can blanch the green beans a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Sauté them with shallots and finish with garlic, lemon juice, and almonds right before serving. This allows you to enjoy a fresh-tasting dish with minimal effort when it’s time to eat.
Elevate Dinner with Zesty Green Beans Almondine Tonight
Equipment
- Pot
- - Skillet
- ice bath
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Base
- 1 pound fresh haricot verts vibrant color and tender-crisp texture
For the Nutty Flavor
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds toast until golden; pine nuts or hazelnuts can be substitutes
For the Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or butter for classic flavor
For the Sweetness
- 1 medium shallot or onion/leeks as alternatives
For Seasoning
- to taste sea salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
For Aromatics
- 1 clove garlic omit for milder flavor
For Brightness
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute
Instructions
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the trimmed green beans and blanch for about 2 minutes until they're crisp-tender.
- Quickly transfer the blanched beans to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This will help maintain their vibrant color and fresh crunch. Drain and pat dry.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, warm the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped shallot and a sprinkle of sea salt. Sauté for 2 minutes until the shallots become soft and translucent.
- Add the blanched green beans back into the skillet. Sauté them for 2-4 minutes, tossing until they are heated through and coated in the shallot mixture.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh lemon juice, ensuring everything is well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beautifully decorated green beans to a serving dish and generously top with the toasted almonds for that perfect crunch.