Name: Green Beans Almondine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed; 1/3 cup sliced almonds; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 clove garlic, minced (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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Green Beans Almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans sautéed in butter and topped with toasted almonds. It’s a classic French-inspired recipe that comes together quickly and adds a touch of sophistication to any meal. Whether I’m preparing a holiday feast or just want something special for a weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and quick this recipe is while still feeling gourmet. The green beans are perfectly cooked—bright and crisp—and the almonds give it a nutty crunch that balances the richness of the butter. It’s also incredibly versatile, pairing well with everything from roasted chicken to grilled fish. Plus, it’s a naturally gluten-free and vegetarian option that pleases just about everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh green beans, trimmed
Sliced almonds
Unsalted butter
Garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

I start by blanching the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they’re just tender but still bright green.
I immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve that vibrant color.
In a large skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat and add the sliced almonds, toasting them until golden brown and fragrant—this usually takes 2-3 minutes.
If I’m using garlic, I add it in and sauté for another 30 seconds.
I then add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss everything together, letting the beans warm through and absorb the buttery, nutty flavors.
I finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as a side dish. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes of cook time, making the total time roughly 20 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add shallots or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. For a more decadent version, I might drizzle in a bit of brown butter or top it with grated Parmesan cheese. Swapping the almonds with pecans or walnuts is another way I like to mix things up.

storage/reheating

To store leftovers, I place the green beans almondine in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave them in short intervals until heated through. I avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the beans from becoming mushy.

FAQs

What kind of green beans should I use?

I prefer using fresh, slender green beans (also called haricots verts), but regular green beans work well too—just trim the ends before cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I blanch the green beans and toast the almonds in advance. When it’s time to serve, I quickly sauté everything together to keep the dish fresh and flavorful.

Do I have to use almonds?

Not necessarily. While almonds are traditional, I sometimes substitute with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or even pine nuts for a different flavor profile.

Can I use frozen green beans?

I can, but I make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking. Fresh beans do hold their texture and flavor better in this dish.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, I simply swap the butter with a plant-based alternative. Everything else stays the same.

Conclusion

Green Beans Almondine is one of those side dishes I keep coming back to. It’s fast, elegant, and delicious—the kind of recipe that elevates any meal with minimal effort. Whether I’m serving it for a special occasion or just want something a bit fancier than steamed veggies, this dish always hits the mark.