Description
Classic Green Beans Almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish that combines crisp green beans, buttery toasted almonds, garlic, and fresh lemon juice for a flavorful finish. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday dinners, quick family meals, healthy dinner ideas, and impressive side dishes that come together fast. Whether you need a quick vegetable side for roasted chicken, steak, turkey, or seafood, this classic French-inspired recipe delivers fresh flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons crispy bacon bits
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Wash and trim the green beans, removing the tough ends.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water nearby.
3. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
4. Transfer the beans immediately into the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well afterward.
5. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Add the sliced almonds and toast them while stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant.
7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
8. Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss them with the butter and almonds.
9. Pour in the lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper.
10. Add lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and bacon bits if desired.
11. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Toast the almonds slowly over medium heat to prevent burning and develop the best nutty flavor.
Do not overcook the green beans during blanching so they stay crisp and vibrant green.
Fresh lemon juice gives the dish a brighter and fresher flavor compared to bottled juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: classic green beans almondine, easy side dish, healthy vegetable recipe, holiday side dish, quick dinner side, green beans with almonds, easy French recipe