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 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 clove garlic, minced (optional); 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

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Green Beans Almondine is a simple, elegant side dish made with crisp-tender green beans, toasted almonds, and a touch of butter and lemon. It’s light, fresh, and brings just the right amount of crunch and brightness to any meal. Whether I’m serving it for a holiday dinner or just a regular weeknight, this dish always feels special without being fussy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, beautiful, and surprisingly flavorful for how few ingredients it uses. The green beans stay vibrant and slightly crisp, the almonds give a lovely nutty crunch, and the lemon adds a fresh pop that brings it all together. It’s one of those side dishes that I can count on to complement everything from roast chicken to grilled salmon. Green Beans Almondine

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, minced (optional, but adds depth)
Fresh lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3–4 minutes, just until tender-crisp. I drain them and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking and keep the color bright.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I melt the butter and toast the sliced almonds for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant.
If I’m using garlic, I add it in the last minute of cooking the almonds so it doesn’t burn.
I add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss them with the almonds and butter until heated through.
I season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
I serve it warm, optionally topped with lemon zest for extra brightness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the butter for olive oil if I want a dairy-free version. I’ve also added shallots or thinly sliced red onions sautéed with the almonds for more depth. For a festive touch, I mix in dried cranberries or sprinkle a little Parmesan on top. And if I want extra crunch, I use slivered almonds instead of sliced.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave for a quick fix. If the almonds soften in storage, I sometimes toss in a few fresh ones while reheating to bring back some crunch. Green Beans Almondine

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, I’ve used frozen in a pinch. I thaw and pat them dry before sautéing, though the texture is a little softer than fresh.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I blanch the beans and toast the almonds ahead of time, then quickly reheat everything in the skillet just before serving.

Is this dish good for the holidays?

Absolutely. It’s a classic side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It adds a fresh, light balance to rich holiday dishes.

What’s the difference between almondine and amandine?

There’s no difference—it’s just a variation in spelling. Both refer to dishes topped or cooked with almonds.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, I’ve tried it with chopped pecans or walnuts for a twist, but almonds are traditional and work best for that crisp texture.

Conclusion

Green Beans Almondine is one of those timeless side dishes I keep coming back to. It’s quick, classy, and packed with flavor and texture. Whether I’m adding it to a holiday spread or just rounding out a weeknight dinner, it brings freshness and crunch in all the right ways. Simple, elegant, and always reliable.