This green beans almondine recipe is a simple, fresh, and vibrant side dish that adds a pop of color to any meal! Tender green beans, fragrant shallots, and crunchy almonds come together to create a recipe that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
Side dishes are always the hardest to come up with, right? For me, it’s always easy to decide on a main entree, but then I’m left trying to figure out sides! That’s where sautéed green beans with almonds come in!
I love to serve this dish with my famous prime rib roast and mashed potatoes!
These elegant little guys really save the day! This dish looks put together, but it’s really just tossed in a pan with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. In a matter of minutes, you’re ready to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy: Green beans are full of important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Plus, almonds and olive oil both contain heart-healthy fats.
- Quick: This sautéed green beans with almonds recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute side dish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs and spices, serve it with crumbled cheese on top, or include additional vegetables like carrots. The options are endless!
- Affordable: Green beans are a relatively inexpensive vegetable for most households, meaning this dish won’t break the bank!
What Are Green Beans Almondine?
Almondine, also known as amandine, is a fancy word that refers to any dish adorned with almonds. These nuts are responsible for adding an elegant touch and crunchy texture.
This green beans almondine recipe features sautéed green beans, slivered almonds, and shallots. Although it looks as though it could be on the menu of a fancy restaurant, it couldn’t be easier to put together!
One of the things that makes this dish truly special is how the green beans retain their vibrant color and satisfying crunch. The secret? Blanching them before sautéing! This simple step ensures the green beans keep their fantastic texture and don’t end up wilted and soft.
Ingredients For Green Beans Almondine
See the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and richness to the dish without overpowering the green beans. You can substitute it with other oils such as avocado oil or sunflower oil if you prefer.
- Green beans: Provide a crisp, tender texture and a fresh, slightly sweet taste. Green beans are packed with nutrients and are low in calories, making them an extremely healthy choice. If fresh green beans aren’t available, you can use frozen green beans, but make sure to thaw and drain them, then add them directly to the skillet.
- Shallots: Impart a delicate, mildly pungent onion flavor, adding depth to the dish. They also contribute a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture once sautéed. Shallots can be replaced with spring onions or a couple fresh garlic cloves for a different flavor profile.
- Slivered almonds: Add a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor, which perfectly balances the green beans. You can use pine nuts, or for a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp hearts.
- Salt & pepper: Salt enhances the flavor of the green beans and almonds while pepper adds a savory kick! Feel free to experiment with other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for a different take on the recipe.
How to Make Green Beans And Almonds
Step 1: Prep The Green Beans
Before starting the rest of the recipe, wash and dry the green beans thoroughly. Trim and snap them into approximately 1-inch pieces, then bring a pot of water to a boil.
I like to blanch my green beans for a few minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. It results in a perfectly tender texture and vibrant green color.
Step 2: Toast The Nuts
Heat a large skillet on the stovetop over medium. Toss in the slivered almonds and give them a quick toast, making sure to keep them moving around the pan. When they’re golden brown and aromatic, transfer them out of the skillet for now.
Step 3: Sauté The Shallots
Keeping the skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and chopped shallots. Sauté them for a couple of minutes, or until they are tender.
Step 4: Toss In The Beans
Add the blanched green beans to the pan with the shallots and give everything a good toss. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste, then continue cooking the beans over medium heat until they’re as tender as you like them. This usually takes between 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Add The Almonds
Once the green beans are cooked, turn off the heat, mix in the toasted almonds, and serve your sautéed green beans with almonds immediately while everything is hot!
What To Serve With Green Beans and Almonds
For a complete meal, pair your green beans and almonds with proteins and other side dishes like these:
- Air fryer chicken breast or fish
- Seared ahi tuna
- Rice or quinoa
- Crispy baked potatoes
- A side of skillet cornbread
Recipe Variations
- Garlic: Add minced garlic for a zesty flavor.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Zesty: Slice in cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle with Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for an umami element.
Tips For The Best Recipe
- Trim the beans: Don’t forget to trim and snap the beans before starting the recipe.
- Watch the almonds: When toasting the almonds, watch them closely to prevent burning. It can happen quite quickly!
- Coat the beans: Coat the beans thoroughly in olive oil to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the skillet will lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, sauté the green beans in batches.
What To Do With Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing green beans almondine once cooked. The texture will change too much once they’re thawed.
- Reheating: Reheat the green beans in a skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Feel free to add a touch of extra oil if the pan looks dry.
Additional Recipes
For more side dish inspiration like green beans almondine, here are a few of my favorites:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between green beans and haricot verts?
The difference between haricot verts and green beans is their size and flavor. Haricot verts are French green beans, which are longer and more robust in flavor than American green beans.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh green beans?
Yes, feel free to use frozen green beans. Just note that they have a slightly different texture once cooked. Also, make sure to thaw and drain them beforehand, and skip the blanching.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, use any nut you like such as pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp hearts.
Perfect Green Beans Almondine
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 1 shallot diced
- ¼ cup almonds slivered or sliced
- kosher salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Trim and snap the green beans into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat (without oil). Add the slivered almonds and quickly saute (constantly moving around the pan) until fragrant and golden brown. Carefully watch the almonds so the do not burn. Remove from the pan after they turn golden brown and become fragrant. Set aside.
- Return the skillet to the stove. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot to the pan and saute (about 2 minutes).
- Then, add the green beans to the pan and toss.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking on medium heat until the desired tenderness of the beans is reached, about 5-10 minutes.
- When the beans are done, turn off the heat, toss with the slivered almonds and serve.
