Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds

Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds is a simple yet elegant side dish that elevates fresh green beans with the rich flavors of garlic and toasted almonds. This classic combination brings a balance of crunch and tenderness, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, from casual dinners to holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. The green beans are lightly blanched to preserve their crisp-tender texture, then sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce and topped with crunchy, nutty almonds. It’s easy to prepare, quick to cook, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb side dish or a healthy vegetable addition to your dinner table, this dish is a winner.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh green beans, trimmed

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic, minced

• Sliced almonds

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

directions

1. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for about 3–4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

2. Toast the almonds: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds and toast for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the garlic butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

4. Sauté the green beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans evenly and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

5. Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired for brightness. Top with toasted almonds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 as a side dish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add shallots: Thinly sliced shallots can be sautéed with the garlic for a slightly sweet, aromatic twist.

• Use ghee or olive oil: For a dairy-free version, replace butter with ghee or extra virgin olive oil.

• Add herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley can add a burst of herbal freshness.

• Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a mild heat.

• Try other nuts: Swap almonds with pine nuts or chopped pecans for a different flavor and texture.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the beans gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the green beans from becoming mushy.

FAQs

How do I keep the green beans crisp?

Blanching the green beans and immediately plunging them into ice water helps retain their bright color and crisp-tender texture.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but fresh green beans are preferred for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and dry them before sautéing.

What type of almonds should I use?

Use sliced almonds for best results. You can also use slivered almonds if preferred.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds ahead of time. Sauté everything together just before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I add bacon?

Absolutely. Crispy bacon bits can add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

How do I make it vegan?

Use plant-based butter or olive oil in place of dairy butter to make this dish vegan.

What main dishes pair well with this?

This side pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked salmon, or holiday roasts.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is recommended for optimal flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as the green beans may lose their texture upon thawing.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds is a timeless side dish that brings both elegance and simplicity to the table. With minimal preparation and wholesome ingredients, it’s the ideal complement to a variety of main courses. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or preparing a quick weekday meal, this flavorful and crunchy green bean recipe is sure to impress.