Name: Recipe "Green Beans Almondine"
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb green beans (washed and trimmed); 2 tbsp butter; 0.25 cup sliced almonds; 1 shallot (finely diced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 0.5 lemon lemon juice; 1 tsp kosher salt; black pepper (Freshly ground)

Consider Brussels Sprouts with Bacon or Summer Squash Sauté for your next meal.

Why This Green Beans Almondine Recipe Works

Green beans almondine is one of those classic French side dishes that looks fancy but is deceptively simple. My family has been making this for years, and it never fails to please. The key is blanching the beans just until crisp-tender, then tossing them with buttery toasted almonds, shallot, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. That combination of nutty, savory, and bright flavors makes it a staple at holiday tables, but it’s quick enough for a Tuesday night dinner.

3 Reasons You’ll Love This Green Beans Almondine

It comes together in about 15 minutes, mostly hands-off while the beans blanch and almonds toast.
The contrast of tender-crisp green beans and crunchy almonds is irresistible.
It’s elegant enough for Thanksgiving but simple enough for weeknights.

Key Ingredients for the Best Green Beans Almondine

Fresh green beans, Look for bright, snappy beans without blemishes. Trim the ends just before cooking.
Sliced almonds, Toasting them in butter deepens their flavor and adds crunch. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
Lemon juice, A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens the dish and balances the richness.

Kitchen Tools for Green Beans Almondine

Large pot for blanching
Colander and bowl of ice water
Large skillet (12-inch works well)
Chef’s knife and cutting board

Tips for Making Green Beans Almondine

Don’t skip the ice bath after blanching, it stops the cooking immediately and locks in that vibrant green color. Make sure to dry the beans well on a towel before adding them to the skillet; any excess water will steam them instead of sautéing. When toasting the almonds, keep the heat at medium and stir often; they can go from golden to burnt in seconds.

Pro Tips for Perfect Green Beans Almondine

For even cooking, choose green beans that are roughly the same thickness. If you’re using larger beans, blanch them an extra minute. The shallot and garlic should be finely diced so they don’t overpower the dish; you want a subtle savory base, not chunks of raw allium. And always season with salt just before serving, it helps the flavors pop without drawing out excess moisture.

Green Beans Almondine Variations to Try

You can swap the butter for olive oil to make the dish dairy-free, or add a tablespoon of bacon fat for extra smokiness. For a nut-free version, skip the almonds and top with crispy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs. If you want a touch of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the shallot. And for a protein boost, toss in some cooked shredded chicken or sliced grilled steak on top.

What to Serve with Green Beans Almondine

This side dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, or a juicy steak. It’s a natural partner for holiday roasts like turkey or prime rib. You can also serve it alongside other vegetable dishes, like roasted carrots or mashed potatoes, for a complete spread.

How to Store Leftover Green Beans Almondine

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The almonds may soften a bit, but the flavor stays great.

Can You Freeze Green Beans Almondine?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Cool the dish completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the beans and almonds will be softer after freezing and thawing.

Best Ways to Reheat Green Beans Almondine

The best way to bring it back to life is in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a little extra butter. Toss until warmed through and the liquid evaporates. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, but the almonds won’t be as crisp.

Green Beans Almondine FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but thaw them first and reduce blanching time to about 1 minute. Pat them very dry before sautéing.

Can I make this ahead?

You can blanch the beans and toast the almonds a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge. Sauté everything together just before serving.

What can I substitute for almonds?

Chopped pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts work well. For nut-free, use toasted sunflower seeds or omit.

How do I keep the green beans bright green?

The ice bath after blanching sets the color. Also, don’t overcook the beans, they should still have a little crunch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written. Just verify your almonds and butter are gluten-free (they usually are).

Recipe

Green Beans Almondine

Fresh green beans with shallot, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and toasted sliced almonds. This simple vegetable side dish is a favorite at holiday meals, but can be served year-round along side any meal.

easyVegetarian

5 min

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

Servings

French

Cuisine

149 kcal

Calories

Ingredients

Servings

1 lb green beans, washed and trimmed
2 tbsp butter
0.25 cup sliced almonds
1 shallot, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced
0.5 lemon lemon juice
1 tsp kosher salt
black pepper, Freshly ground

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the green beans and blanch for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but still crisp. You are going to finish cooking them in a skillet, so make sure you don’t blanch them for too long.
2
Drain and plunge the green beans into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, this will also help the green beans keep their vibrant green color. Drain, and transfer to a clean towel to dry.
3
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the almonds and sauté until golden brown, about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch them closely so you don’t burn the almonds.

4
Reduce the temperature to low and add the shallot and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
5
Add the green beans to the pan and sauté over medium heat for 2 to 4 minutes, until the green beans are tender.
6
Remove the pan from the heat and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir in the almonds and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Nutrition (per serving)

149kcal

Calorie breakdown

Protein4%6 kcal

Fat82%128 kcal

Carbohydrates14%22 kcal

How this was calculated — 7 of 8 ingredients matched

green beansBeans, snap, green, raw141 kcal

butterButter, salted215 kcal

sliced almondsOil, almond530 kcal

shallotShallots, raw1 kcal

garlic clovesGarlic, raw4 kcal

kosher saltSalt, table0 kcal

black pepperSpices, pepper, black3 kcal

Serving size ≈ 92 g · 6 servings

Nutrition information is automatically calculated from USDA FoodData Central, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used.

Open in analyzer

Keyword: gluten-free, quick, Skillet, vegetarian

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.