If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant side dish that brings a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor, the Green Beans Almondine Recipe will quickly become your go-to. This classic dish highlights tender green beans tossed with toasted slivered almonds and fragrant garlic, creating a delightful texture and a subtle nutty richness. It’s a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance, making it a fantastic addition to any meal from a casual weeknight dinner to a holiday feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Green Beans Almondine Recipe lies in its minimal yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the green beans offer fresh crispness, the almonds add a toasty crunch, the garlic brings depth, and the avocado oil ties everything together with a lovely smoothness.
- Green beans (16-ounce bag): Trimmed ends ensure tender bite and no fibrous toughness.
- Avocado oil (2 tablespoons): A neutral oil with a high smoke point perfect for toasting almonds.
- Slivered almonds (1/2 cup): Toasted until golden to enhance their nutty flavor and texture.
- Garlic (3-5 cloves, minced): Adds savory aroma and depth to the dish.
- Salt: To bring out the natural flavors of the beans and almonds.
- Lemon juice: Optional but adds a fresh, zesty brightness at the end.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkling for a savory finishing touch if desired.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding the avocado oil. Once warmed, toss in the slivered almonds. Keep them moving in the pan for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step unlocks their rich, nutty aroma which is the heart of this dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic directly to the skillet with the toasted almonds. Stir it for about one minute until it becomes fragrant but before it browns too much. This gentle sauté softens the sharp bite of raw garlic while infusing the oil with flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Green Beans
Now, add your trimmed green beans to the skillet. Toss them with the almonds and garlic to ensure every bean is coated. Let them cook for roughly 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally so they remain tender but maintain their crisp, fresh bite that makes this dish so refreshing.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Once the green beans are perfectly crisp-tender, season them with salt to your taste. For an extra layer of zing, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top and, if you like, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese just before serving. These final touches create a bright and savory finish that makes this Green Beans Almondine Recipe utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, add a few toasted almond slivers on top right before serving for an appealing crunch. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese also enhances the overall flavor, while a small wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add fresh acidity as they wish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or beef, as well as fish for a lighter option. It’s also a wonderful complement to creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Green Beans Almondine on a rustic wooden board for a casual yet elegant look. Alternatively, layering the beans over a bed of lightly toasted bread crumbs or alongside a vibrant grain salad adds texture and color for a stunning plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days while maintaining the fresh crunch of the green beans and the toasted flavor of the almonds.
Freezing
While freezing green beans can sometimes soften their texture, it is possible if needed. Blanch the green beans before cooking, then allow them to cool and freeze separately. Cook and finish the dish fresh when ready to serve for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat to keep the almonds from burning and to warm the beans without turning them mushy. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to preserve the crisp texture and toasty almond flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans work wonderfully and often have a firmer texture and brighter flavor. Just be sure to trim the ends before cooking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for slivered almonds?
You can try sliced almonds or chopped walnuts as alternatives. Each brings a slightly different texture and flavor but still provides that essential crunch and nuttiness to the dish.
Is avocado oil necessary?
Avocado oil is great for its neutral taste and high smoke point, but you can also use light olive oil or grapeseed oil as alternatives if needed.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
You can prep the green beans and almonds ahead of time, but it’s best to cook and combine them just before serving to keep the textures crisp and fresh.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep the dish vegan while still enjoying the wonderful flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Green Beans Almondine Recipe — it’s a timeless side dish that manages to be both simple and elegant. Whether you’re introducing it to your family or impressing guests, the crunchy almonds and garlicky green beans make every bite special. Give it a try and watch this beloved recipe become a staple on your table!
Print
Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Green Beans Almondine recipe features tender crisp green beans sautéed with toasted slivered almonds and fragrant garlic, finished with a touch of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese for a bright, savory side dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 16-ounce (1 pound) bag green beans, ends trimmed
Oils and Fats
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Nuts and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 3–5 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil, allowing it to warm up properly before adding other ingredients.
- Toast the almonds: Add the slivered almonds to the hot oil and toast, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the toasted almonds and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add green beans: Toss the trimmed green beans into the skillet, stirring well to combine with the garlic and almonds, ensuring even coating with oil and flavors.
- Cook green beans: Continue to cook the green beans for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp, aiming for a bright green color and slight bite.
- Season: Add salt to taste, adjusting to personal preference to bring out the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Finish and serve: Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the green beans and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to provide a fresh, tangy, and savory finish before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans trimmed at both ends for best texture.
- Avocado oil is recommended for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil if preferred.
- Be careful not to overcook the green beans to retain a crisp texture and vibrant color.
- The addition of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delicious brightness and depth of flavor.
- Slivered almonds can be substituted with sliced almonds or chopped nuts for variation.
- This recipe makes a great side dish for poultry, fish, or vegetarian meals.
