Green Beans Almondine (Simple Side Dish Recipe)

This green beans almondine recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal: Crunchy, buttery, and topped with toasted almonds. This classic French side dish is a simple yet elegant side dish that brings a touch of sophistication to your table without the hassle of complicated steps or ingredients.

A white plate with green beans topped with almonds and parmesan cheese.

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Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to mix up your weeknight dinner, this green bean almondine recipe is sure to do the job perfectly. The fresh, crisp green beans pair wonderfully with the nutty flavor of the almonds, making every bite a delightful experience.

If you are on the hunt for more vegetables recipes, I have a few more you might want to try. Not everyone loves Brussels Sprouts but if you do, why not try Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze? Or for a simple delicious side dish, try some mashed sweet potatoes.

Still in the mood for more fresh veggies? Try making this salsa verde with fresh garden veggies!

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, this simple recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Healthy and Nutritious: Green beans are packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish a healthy choice without sacrificing taste.
Versatile Side Dish: This easy Green beans almondine complements a wide range of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled fish, adding a touch of elegance to any meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of tender green beans and crispy, buttery almonds is a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.

What’s in This Green Beans Almondine Recipe?

Ingredients for green beans almondine sitting on a marble countertop.

Green beans: Fresh green beans are the star of this recipe. They offer a satisfying crunch and vibrant color and are packed with essential vitamins such as A, C, and K.
Avocado oil: Chosen for its high smoke point and heart-healthy fats, avocado oil helps to sauté the green beans to perfection, imparting a subtle, rich flavor.
Sliced almonds: These add a delightful nutty crunch to the dish. Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor, making them an irresistible component of this easy recipe.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a touch of pungency, beautifully complementing the green beans and almonds.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt elevates the flavors of the entire dish, bringing out the green beans’ natural sweetness and the almonds’ buttery taste.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Additions

Olive Oil: If avocado oil is not available, extra virgin olive oil can be used as a substitute. It will still provide a rich flavor and is a healthy alternative.
Almonds: For those with nut allergies, consider using pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead. These will still add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic is not on hand, garlic powder can be used. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Green Beans: If you can’t find fresh regular green beans, frozen green beans or French green beans can be good alternatives. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.

Additions

Shallots: Thinly sliced shallots can be added to the dish for a sweet, delicate onion flavor that complements the green beans and almonds.
Bacon: Crispy bacon bits can introduce a smoky, savory element to the dish, enhancing its richness.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be sprinkled over the dish for additional layers of flavor and a burst of freshness.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a subtle kick of heat, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can be mixed in to provide an earthy depth and meaty texture to the dish.

How to Make Skillet Green Beans (step-by-step directions)

Collage of cooking green beans almodine.

Boil water in a large pot or saucepan and blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside. (Photo 1)
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil once hot. Cook the almond slices for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Watch closely as they cook quickly. (Photo 2)
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring until the almonds are toasted and the garlic is fragrant. (Photo 3)
Reduce the heat to low-medium, add the blanched green beans, and sauté for 1-2 minutes, depending on your preferred tenderness. (Photos 4 & 5)

Collage of creating green beans almodine.

Place in a serving dish and season with salt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and parmesan cheese if desired. (Photo 6)

A white plate with green beans and almonds on top.

Recipe Tips

Choose fresh green beans: Opt for bright, firm green beans for the best texture and flavor. Avoid wilted or blemished beans.
Blanch the green beans: Blanching the green beans before sautéing helps lock in their vibrant bright green color and crispy texture. You can also put them in an ice bath after blanching to prevent overcooking, as the cold water stops the cooking process.
Toast the almonds separately: Toasting the almonds before adding them to the green beans ensures they become beautifully golden without burning.
Use a cast iron skillet: A cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly, ensuring the green beans and crunchy almonds are cooked to perfection.
Taste before serving: Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving is the best way to ensure the dish is perfectly balanced.
Serve immediately: Green beans almondine is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, as the beans retain their crispness and the almonds stay crunchy.
Watch the garlic: For the best results be mindful not to burn the garlic, as overcooked garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.

How to Store and Reheat

To store any leftover green beans almondine, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make the green beans soggy. Properly stored, leftover green beans almondine will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can freeze green beans. To do so, transfer the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Green beans almondine can be frozen for up to 1 month. Remember that the green beans’ texture may soften slightly after freezing and reheating.

To reheat leftovers, you can use either the stovetop or microwave:

Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Once hot, add the leftover green beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to retain some of the dish’s original texture and flavor.
Microwave: Place the leftover beans in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fully warmed. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the green beans to become mushy.

Green beans with almonds on a plate with a wooden spatula on the side.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Skillet Green Beans, consider pairing it with a variety of main courses to create a well-rounded meal.

Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken’s simplicity allows the flavors of green beans and almondine to shine. Season the chicken with herbs and a touch of lemon to complement the dish.
Roast Beef: A hearty roast beef pairs wonderfully with the fresh and nutty elements of the green beans almondine, balancing the richness of the meat.
Baked Salmon: The flakiness of baked citrus salmon, with its potential for herbs and citrus, makes a delightful match with the crispness of the green beans.
Pasta Dishes: A creamy pasta like chicken alfredo or a light dill pasta salad can provide a lovely contrast to the texture of the green beans while adding additional layers of flavor.
Pork Chops: Juicy pork chops with a caramelized crust enhance the savory notes of the green bean almondine, creating a balanced and delicious meal.
Vegetarian Fritters: Zucchini fritters, chickpea, or sweet potato fritters offer a crunchy and flavorful vegetarian option that complements the green beans.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?

You can use frozen green beans, although they may not taste as good or have as much crunch. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture before cooking. This helps achieve a similar texture to fresh green beans.

Is there a way to make this healthy side dish vegan?

Absolutely! To make Green Beans Almondine vegan, simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based parmesan alternative. Ensure that any additional ingredients, like butter, are substituted with vegan options such as olive oil or vegan butter.

Can I add other vegetables to this easy side dish?

You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even thinly sliced carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all vegetables are cooked to your preferred tenderness.

What can I do if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet. The key is to ensure even heat distribution, so a stainless steel or non-stick skillet should work fine. Just watch the cooking times to avoid burning.

Need More Veggie Side Dish Recipes? Try These:

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A plate of green beans with almonds and parmesan cheese with a slice of lemons on the side.

5 from 4 votes