Name: Savory Green Bean Almondine: The Quickest Gourmet Side
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Fresh Green Beans (Substitute with frozen beans for convenience.); 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (Feel free to swap with walnuts or omit for a nut-free option.); 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Using salted butter may require adjusting added salt later.); 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Can replace with any preferred vegetable oil.); 2 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best taste.); 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (Integral for that zesty flair.); 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Other citrus juices like lime can serve as alternatives.); to taste Salt (Use to preference and adjust to your liking.); to taste Pepper (Freshly ground black pepper is suggested.); 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) (Other herbs like dill or thyme can be substitutes.)

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There’s something truly delightful about a dish that comes together in a flash but feels luxurious on the plate. My love for fresh vegetables took me by surprise one evening when I was hurriedly prepping dinner and stumbled across a pack of vibrant green beans hiding at the back of my fridge. With just a handful of ingredients, I transformed these beans into a stunning Green Bean Almondine that turned an ordinary weekday meal into something special.

Imagine the crunchy toast of almonds mingling with the crisp-tender green beans, all kissed by a splash of zesty lemon. This classic French side dish captures the essence of simplicity in the kitchen, ready in just 20 minutes! From weeknight family dinners to festive gatherings, this salad shines as a versatile and impressive addition to any meal. So, if you’re ready to elevate your home cooking game, let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe and bring a burst of flavors to your table!

Why will you love this Savory Green Bean Almondine?

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice quality for time.
Elegant Presentation: Vibrant green beans and crunchy almonds make for a stunning visual that impresses guests without the fuss.
Burst of Flavor: The zesty lemon and aromatic garlic create a delightful symphony of tastes, making it a memorable side dish.
Versatile Pairing: Perfect alongside any main course, this salad works beautifully, whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from the almonds, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy.
For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Savory Sheet Pan delights.

Savory Green Bean Almondine Ingredients

• The perfect blend of freshness and crunch awaits!

For the Beans

Fresh Green Beans – Provides essential nutrients and a satisfying crunch; substitute with frozen beans for convenience.

For the Almonds

Sliced Almonds – Adds a delightful nutty flavor and texture; feel free to swap with walnuts or omit for a nut-free option.

For the Cooking Base

Unsalted Butter – Infuses richness into the dish; using salted butter may require adjusting added salt later.
Olive Oil – Great for sautéing while enhancing overall flavor; can replace with any preferred vegetable oil.

For Flavoring

Garlic (minced) – Introduces an aromatic essence; fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best taste.
Lemon Zest – Brightens the dish with citrus notes; integral for that zesty flair in your Savory Green Bean Almondine.
Lemon Juice – Balances flavors with acidity; other citrus juices like lime can serve as alternatives if needed.
Salt – Essential for enhancing overall taste; use to preference and adjust to your liking.
Pepper – Adds a touch of heat; freshly ground black pepper is suggested for optimal flavor.

For Garnish

Fresh Parsley (chopped) – Lends a vibrant touch and freshness; other herbs like dill or thyme can be delightful substitutes.

How to Make Savory Green Bean Almondine

Prepare Green Beans: Start by washing and trimming the green beans, then cut them into smaller pieces if you’d like a bite-sized dish.
Blanch Green Beans: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the green beans for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Visual cue: Look for that bright green color.
Ice Bath: Transfer the beans immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and keep them vibrant.
Toast Almonds: In a skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds for 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter along with the olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until you smell that delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
Combine Beans: Add the blanched green beans back into the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, tossing to ensure they’re evenly coated in the flavorful mixture.
Finish Dish: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, seasoning generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Fold in Almonds: Gently fold in the toasted almonds, making sure they mix well but don’t get smashed.
Serve: Transfer everything to a serving dish and garnish with the freshly chopped parsley for that final touch of freshness.

Optional: Serve warm, or at room temperature, for a lovely side dish that pleases everyone!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Savory Green Bean Almondine Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize this delightful dish to suit your taste!

Nut-Free: Omit the almonds completely for a nut-free version. The dish remains vibrant and flavorful while catering to allergies.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the finished dish for a creamy, salty twist that enhances every bite. It adds richness while maintaining the salad’s crisp character.
Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove of minced garlic for a more intense garlicky flavor. This will deepen the aroma and hang in the air, enticing everyone at the table!
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a mild heat that warms the palate and gives the dish a different dimension.
Zesty Swap: Substitute lime juice and zest for lemon to create a more tropical flavor profile. The lime will give the dish a bright twist while still complementing the green beans beautifully.
Herbal Infusion: Swap fresh parsley for fresh thyme or dill for an aromatic upgrade, introducing a different herbal note that brings freshness to the dish.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers along with the green beans for added color and sweetness. This adds an extra layer of texture and visual appeal.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a touch of maple syrup at the end for a sweet contrast to the savory elements. The sweetness enhances the nuttiness of the almonds and brings about a delightful surprise!

Make Ahead Options

These Savory Green Bean Almondine are perfect for meal prep and can save you valuable time on busy weeknights! You can blanch the green beans and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, toast the almonds ahead of time and keep them in a separate jar to prevent them from getting soggy. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the blanched green beans with garlic, stir in the lemon zest and juice, and fold in the almonds. This way, you get all the delightful flavors and textures of your dish, just as delicious but with minimal effort when it’s time to eat!

How to Store and Freeze Savory Green Bean Almondine

Fridge: Store any leftover Savory Green Bean Almondine in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain texture.

Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, for best results, freeze the almondine without the garlic and almonds; sauté them fresh when you reheat.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet with a touch of olive oil, adding freshly toasted almonds for an optimal crunch.

Room Temperature: If serving for a buffet or gathering, keep the dish out for no longer than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Expert Tips for Savory Green Bean Almondine

Don’t Overcook: Blanch the green beans just until they are tender-crisp to keep that vibrant green color and crunchy texture intact.
Perfectly Toasted Almonds: Keep a close eye on the sliced almonds while toasting; they can burn quickly and will taste bitter if overdone.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and lemon zest for the best flavor in your Savory Green Bean Almondine; they elevate the entire dish.
Ice Bath Essential: Always plunge the blanched green beans into ice water immediately to stop cooking and maintain their bright color.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to suit your palate for the most satisfying flavor balance in this easy vegetarian side dish.

What to Serve with Savory Green Bean Almondine?

This delightful side dish is perfect for transforming any meal into a gourmet experience.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their rich, buttery texture complements the crunch of the green beans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Grilled Lemon-Caper Chicken: Bright lemon and savory capers pair beautifully with the zesty lemon notes in the almondine, making for a refreshing combo.
Quinoa Salad: A light, nutty quinoa salad adds wholesome grains, providing a satisfying contrast to the crisp-tender green beans. Toss it with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: The succulent shrimp seasoned in garlic butter would enhance the meal’s elegance, while echoing the dish’s garlic flavors.
Roasted Salmon: A flaky, herb-seasoned salmon offers a perfect protein companion, with its richness balancing the freshness of the green bean almondine.
Toasty Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery slices elevate the dinner table, blending with the dish’s textures while making it comfort-food worthy.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers a refreshing drink option, brightening the overall flavors of your meal.
Chocolate Mousse: A light and airy dessert, rich chocolate mousse provides a sweet contrast to the savory dish, pleasing the palate with its decadence.

Savory Green Bean Almondine Recipe FAQs

What kind of green beans should I use for Savory Green Bean Almondine?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans are ideal for this recipe, as they provide the best texture and flavor. Look for beans that are bright green, firm, and without dark spots. If fresh beans aren’t available, frozen green beans can be substituted; just blanch them for a slightly shorter time, around 2-3 minutes.

How should I store leftover Savory Green Bean Almondine?
After serving, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the beans’ desired crispness and flavor.

Can I freeze Savory Green Bean Almondine?
Yes! You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. However, it’s recommended to freeze the green beans without the garlic and almonds to preserve their quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and sauté the garlic and almonds fresh to add that delightful crunch upon reheating.

What can I do if my green beans become mushy?
If you find that your green beans have become mushy, it often means they were overcooked during blanching. To ensure a perfect texture, remember to cook them only until they’re tender-crisp and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. If you’ve already overcooked them, consider using them in a soup or sauce where the texture will be less noticeable.

Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Yes, this Savory Green Bean Almondine is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made nut-free by omitting the almonds or substituting with pumpkin seeds. If you or your guests have allergies to garlic or dairy, you can simply leave those ingredients out; the dish will still maintain a lovely flavor profile with just the green beans and lemon.

How long can I keep this dish out at room temperature?
For food safety, it’s important to limit the time cooked dishes like Savory Green Bean Almondine are left at room temperature. Ideally, keep the dish out for no longer than 2 hours during buffets or gatherings to prevent bacterial growth.