Green Beans Almondine Recipe with Toasted Almonds

Green Beans Almondine is a classic holiday side, ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Fresh green beans are briefly boiled, then sautéed in butter with toasted sliced almonds for a warm, nutty finish. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish, making it a versatile, elegant accompaniment to roasted meats or simple weeknight proteins.

Green Bean Almondine Ingredients

Below are the ingredients for this straightforward green bean almondine recipe. Exact amounts appear in the recipe card further down.

• Fresh green beans: trim the ends and rinse. Fresh is best for texture and color.
• Raw sliced almonds: use pre-sliced almonds for even toasting.
• Unsalted butter: provides a rich coating; use unsalted so you can control seasoning.
• Lemon wedge: optional, but recommended for a touch of brightness.
• Salt and pepper: to taste.

How to Make Green Beans with Toasted Almonds

1. Blanch the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook 4–6 minutes until just tender-crisp. Drain and briefly plunge into cold water or run under cold water to stop the cooking and preserve the bright green color.
2. Toast the almonds. While the water heats, warm a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until they turn golden and smell toasty. Transfer them to a bowl to prevent further browning.
3. Sauté the beans. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the drained green beans and toss to coat evenly in the butter. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, to heat through and develop a little surface flavor.
4. Combine and season. Add most of the toasted almonds to the pan, reserving a few for garnish. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Squeeze the lemon wedge lightly over the beans to add a subtle citrus lift.
5. Finish and serve. Cook for another minute or two so flavors meld, then transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle the remaining almonds on top. Serve immediately while warm and crisp-tender.

Recipe Tips

• Salt the boiling water well — it seasons the beans from the inside out and improves overall flavor.
• Cook the beans to just tender-crisp. They should still have a slight bite and a pleasant “squeak” when you eat them.
• Toast the almonds in a dry pan and remove them promptly when golden to avoid burning.
• Add lemon sparingly. A light squeeze brightens the dish without making the beans taste like citrus.
• Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop over low heat; avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture.

What to Serve with Green Beans Almondine

Green Beans Almondine pairs well with a wide range of mains. Its buttery, nutty flavor and bright finish complement roasted or braised dishes and simple proteins alike. Suggestions include:

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken — the lemon in the chicken echoes the citrus hint in the beans.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs — roasted thighs with crisp skin and rich juices match the buttery almonds.

Instant Pot Pot Roast — a tender pot roast with mushrooms and onions pairs beautifully with the crisp beans.

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes — classic potato sides and green beans are an easy, comforting combination.

Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf — a hearty, savory meatloaf is a natural fit alongside almondine green beans.

Storage Instructions

Cool the beans to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Over time they will lose some crispness; reheat gently on the stovetop to revive texture. For best results, add a few fresh toasted almonds after reheating.