As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, my thoughts always drift to the magic of holiday feasts. It was during the aroma-filled chaos of last Thanksgiving when I discovered the perfect side dish: Green Beans Almondine. At first glance, you’d think this vibrant dish is an intricate affair, but let me tell you, it’s a breeze to whip up! The crunchy contrast of toasted almonds and the fresh burst of lemon perfectly complement tender green beans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that can elevate any meal.
This isn’t just a side dish for festive gatherings; it’s a new weeknight favorite in my home that delivers a quick prep and gourmet touch, with minimal effort required! With this quick Green Beans Almondine recipe, you’ll have a visually stunning and delicious addition to your table that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delightful dish that promises a mix of crunch, flavor, and seasonal charm!
Why Choose Green Beans Almondine for Dinner?
Effortless Preparation: This green beans almondine recipe is a cinch, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time.
Gourmet Appeal: Impress your family and guests with a dish that looks and tastes fancy without the fuss.
Nutty Flavor: The toasted almonds deliver a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements tender beans.
Versatile Side: Pair it with anything from roasted turkey to grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal.
Healthy Choice: Low in calories and high in fiber, this dish is a guilt-free way to add veggies to your plate.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the green beans in advance to save time on busy holidays—just reheat and add those crunchy almonds before serving!
Green Beans Almondine Ingredients
For the Green Beans
• Green Beans – Tender haricot verts are preferred for superior flavor and crispness.
• Sea Salt – A pinch enhances the natural flavor of the beans; adjust to taste.
For the Almonds
• Sliced Almonds – Toasting these adds a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
For the Sauté
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – This provides essential fat for sautéing; can substitute with clarified butter for a creamier taste.
• Shallot – Offering a mild onion flavor, it enhances the overall profile; yellow onion works well in a pinch.
• Garlic Clove – Finely grated garlic adds depth; garlic powder can be used as an alternative.
For the Finishing Touches
• Fresh Lemon Juice – A splash brightens the dish and balances the flavors beautifully; vinegar is a good alternative if needed.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
Blanch Green Beans: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes until they’re bright green and crisp-tender. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry.
Toast Almonds: In a clean, dry skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently until they’re golden brown and fragrant, then set aside to cool.
Sauté Shallots and Beans: In the same skillet, heat a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until they soften. Then, toss in the blanched green beans and sauté for an additional 2-4 minutes until they’re warmed through and vibrant.
Season and Serve: Remove from heat and gently stir in the grated garlic and fresh lemon juice. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and generously top with the toasted almonds.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Green Beans Almondine Variations
Customize your green beans almondine to suit your taste and dietary needs, making it a delightful dish every time!
- Nut Swap: Replace sliced almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans for a unique twist. The richness of these nuts brings an exciting depth of flavor.
- Herbal Boost: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme to the sauté for an aromatic upgrade. Just a sprinkle can elevate the dish’s freshness to new heights!
- Garlic Lovers: For an extra punch of flavor, increase the garlic to two cloves or use roasted garlic instead for a sweeter, mellow taste. It’s a savory surprise that keeps them coming back for more.
- Zesty Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that balances the dish’s richness beautifully. This kick will tantalize your taste buds and give a delightful surprise in each bite!
- Creamy Delight: For a richer version, sauté the almonds in butter rather than dry toasting them. The creamy texture adds a luscious flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crisp green beans.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment by replacing lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter, fruitier flavor profile. The bright citrus note will add a delightful zing to your meal!
- Vegetarian Upgrade: Turn this into a full vegetarian dish by adding sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for heartiness and color. The addition makes it a perfect stand-alone meal!
- Texture Additions: Include roasted chickpeas for a crunchy element that bumps up both texture and nutrition. This unexpected change will create a lovely contrast to the tender beans.
What to Serve with Green Beans Almondine?
Imagine a delightful meal that dances on your palate, where each dish completes the next and brings joy to your dining table.
Herbed Couscous: This fluffy, nutty side dish adds a light, complementary texture that balances beautifully with the crispness of the green beans. The herbs infuse a refreshing flavor that makes each bite a delight.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, these mashed potatoes create a lush contrast to the crunchy almonds. They bring a rich, buttery element that rounds out the meal while soaking up any delicious juices on your plate.
Grilled Lemon Chicken: The zesty grilled chicken offers a bright, citrusy flavor that ties in perfectly with the fresh lemon juice in the green beans. It’s a protein-packed option that keeps things light and vibrant.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Packed with colorful veggies and a tangy dressing, this salad adds a refreshing crunch. Its robust flavors enhance the dish and create a satisfying meal full of nutrients.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes provides a lovely contrast to the zesty green beans. Their caramelized edges bring warmth and comfort, making your plate even more inviting.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing choice to cut through the richness of any side, this drink offers a zesty fizz that complements both your beans and main dish. It enhances the dining experience with a touch of sophistication.
How to Store and Freeze Green Beans Almondine
- Fridge: Store leftover green beans almondine in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the toasted almonds separate to maintain their crunchiness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze blanched green beans (without sauce) in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply sauté directly from frozen for a quick meal.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the sautéed green beans in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh lemon juice and top with toasted almonds just before serving to recreate that delightful crunch.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the green beans in advance, store them, and reheat before serving. Just leave out the almonds and lemon juice until you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for Green Beans Almondine
Blanch Efficiently: Ensure you cook the green beans in boiling water just until bright green for that perfect crisp-tender texture. Overcooking can lead to mushy beans.
Perfectly Toasted Almonds: Keep a close eye on the almonds while toasting; they can burn quickly. Aim for a golden color for the best flavor without bitterness.
Add Depth with Shallots: Sauté the shallots until they are soft but not browned; this will enhance their flavor without making them overwhelming in the dish.
Adjust Seasoning Gently: Taste before serving and adjust salt as needed. Remember, when using sea salt, a little goes a long way!
Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor. Bottled juice lacks the fresh zing that complements the green beans almondine beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Quick Green Beans Almondine are perfect for meal prep! You can blanch the green beans up to 24 hours in advance; simply cook them until they’re bright green and crisp-tender, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Store the blanched beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to sauté them. The sliced almonds can also be toasted ahead of time—just keep them in a cool, dry place for freshness. When it’s time to serve, simply sauté the shallots and warmed green beans together, stir in the garlic and lemon juice, and top with the toasted almonds for a quick, delightful side dish that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
Green Beans Almondine Recipe FAQs
What type of green beans should I use for Green Beans Almondine?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend using tender haricot verts. These thin green beans cook quickly and offer a delicate crunch, making them perfect for this dish. Regular green beans can also work if they’re fresh, just ensure they’re snapped and stringless.
How should I store leftover Green Beans Almondine?
Very! After serving, store any leftover Green Beans Almondine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to keep the toasted almonds separate to maintain their delightful crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the beans, add the almonds back, and give it a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
Can I freeze Green Beans Almondine?
Yes! If you’re looking to preserve some of the goodness, you can freeze the blanched green beans before they’re sautéed. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and they can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to use, sauté the green beans directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What should I do if my almonds burn while toasting?
Oh no! If your almonds are overcooked, it’s best to start fresh as burnt almonds can impart a bitter flavor. For future success, toast them on medium heat and keep stirring for even browning. It should only take about 2-3 minutes until they’re just golden and fragrant. If in doubt, remove them from the heat a tad early; they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
Is there a way to make Green Beans Almondine suitable for vegan diets?
Certainly! This Green Beans Almondine recipe is primarily vegetarian, but you could easily make it vegan by using vegetable-based oil instead of olive oil or clarified butter. Just ensure that any added flavors, such as the garlic or lemon juice, are fresh and not packaged with animal-derived ingredients. Plus, it remains a delicious and healthy dish even without the butter!
Savor Quick Green Beans Almondine for Effortless Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blanch Green Beans: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes until they're bright green and crisp-tender. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry.
- Toast Almonds: In a clean, dry skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently until they're golden brown and fragrant, then set aside to cool.
- Sauté Shallots and Beans: In the same skillet, heat a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until they soften. Then, toss in the blanched green beans and sauté for an additional 2-4 minutes until they're warmed through and vibrant.
- Season and Serve: Remove from heat and gently stir in the grated garlic and fresh lemon juice. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and generously top with the toasted almonds.