Green Beans Almondine

Oval white dish filled with green beans topped with toasted sliced almonds; a serving spoon rests in the dish.

5 from 3 votes

✅The classic, French-inspired, easy side dish that's fit for holiday tables as well as on busy weeknights and made with just a handful of ingredients. If you're looking for a lighter and fresher way to prepare green beans that still feels satisfying and elegant, this is the perfect green bean recipe!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Course: side, Side Dish, Sides, Sides, Salads & Vegetables

Cuisine: Sides

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Keyword: green bean almondine, green bean side dish, green beans almondine, Thanksgiving green beans

Servings:

Calories: 92cal

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans ends trimmed (haricot vert may be substituted; do not use canned green beans and I don't recommend frozen green beans)
water + salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large shallot finely diced (or 2 medium shallots)
2 garlic cloves finely minced
⅓ cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste

Instructions

Fill a large stockpot with water and generously salt the water. Bring the water to a boil, add the green beans, and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until just done. When done, drain and set aside. If you'd like to move onto step 2 while the green beans cook, you may.
Tips - Salt is necessary so the green beans taste their best and it helps lock in their vibrant green color. Green beans are done when they've just softened but are still al dente and firm. They will likely squeak between your teeth. If in doubt, err on the side of underdone rather than overdone because they're going into a skillet for a couple minutes in step 4.
To a separate large skillet, add the butter and heat over medium-high heat to melt it.
Add the shallot, garlic, sliced almonds, and saute for about 2-3 minutes; stir nearly continuously so you don't burn the garlic or nuts.
Add the green beans to the skillet and saute for 1-2 minutes; flip and toss nearly continuously.
Turn off the heat, evenly drizzle in the lemon juice, evenly sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
If desired for flavor balance, add additional salt and pepper, more lemon juice or lemon zest, another pat of butter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can make this in advance but they green beans will lose some crispness when you reheat it. If you're making for a special meal or holiday meal, I would make it for the meal because it's very quick and easy.

Storage: Leftovers will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months, noting that as they sit in the fridge they'll lose some crispness and definitely if you freeze/thaw/reheat them, they'll lose crispness.

Nutrition