Elegant simplicity for your holiday feast
This classic green bean almondine recipe transforms humble ingredients into a showstopping holiday side. With just 10 minutes of prep, it's the perfect make-ahead dish that elevates any festive table.
For over a century, green bean almondine has graced holiday tables with its delicate balance of butter, lemon, and toasted almonds. This version uses fresh, in-season green beans for maximum flavor and texture.
Whether you're hosting a traditional Christmas dinner or a cozy Thanksgiving gathering, this dish adds a touch of sophistication to any meal. The glossy lemon-butter sauce clings beautifully to the beans, while the toasted almonds add satisfying crunch.
The best part? This elegant side requires minimal effort. Simply blanch the beans, sauté with butter and almonds, then finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Want to make it extra special? Try adding a pinch of sea salt during plating for that restaurant-quality finish. Perfect for impressing guests while keeping your kitchen stress-free.
Why This Recipe Works
Holiday Elegance
The glossy lemon-butter sauce and toasted almonds create a refined look that complements any holiday table setting.
Effortless Prep
Quick to make with minimal ingredients - perfect for busy holiday cooks who want to maximize quality time with family.
Flavor Harmony
The butter and lemon balance beautifully, while the toasted almonds add a nutty depth that enhances the beans' natural sweetness.
Versatile Pairing
Pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even as a vegetarian main course with added protein like chickpeas.
Classic Green Bean Almondine
Timeless holiday elegance in 30 minutes
Ingredients
- - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- - 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- - 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- - 1/4 tsp sea salt
- - Freshly ground black pepper
- - Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook 2-3 minutes until just tender. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
💡 Use a slotted spoon for easy transfer to ice bath
Toast Almonds: In a large skillet over medium heat, add slivered almonds. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
💡 Watch closely to prevent burning
Make Sauce: Return skillet to medium heat. Add butter and let melt completely. Add optional garlic (if using) and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
💡 Use unsalted butter for better salt control
Combine All: Add blanched beans and toasted almonds to the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes, tossing gently. Stir in lemon juice and sea salt until well combined.
💡 Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Green Beans
Use fresh, in-season green beans for best texture. Frozen green beans can be used in a pinch, but will result in softer texture.
Substitutions: Snow peas or sugar snap peas work well for a more delicate flavor.
Slivered Almonds
Toasted slivered almonds provide the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Avoid using almond slivers for better texture.
Substitutions: Walnuts or pecans can be used for a different nutty flavor profile.
Butter
Unsalted butter allows for better control of seasoning. Use clarified butter for a richer flavor.
Substitutions: Ghee or olive oil can be used for a dairy-free version.
Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness that bottled juice cannot replicate. Add to taste for desired acidity.
Substitutions: Lime juice can be used for a different citrus note.
Pro Tips for Perfect Green Bean Almondine
Bean Selection
Choose slender green beans with vibrant color and firm texture. Avoid any that feel soft or have yellowing tips.
Toasting Technique
Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning - they go from golden to burnt in seconds!
Blanched vs Fresh
Blanched beans cook more evenly and have better texture than raw. Never cook beans directly in the sauce - blanch first!
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately while the beans are still warm and the sauce is glossy. Reheating will cause the sauce to separate.
Variations & Customizations
Garlic Infusion
Add 1 minced clove of garlic to the butter sauce for extra depth of flavor. Cook just until fragrant - 30 seconds max.
Herb Version
Stir in 1 tsp of fresh thyme or tarragon with the lemon juice for a more aromatic dish.
Cheesy Twist
Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan over the beans during the last minute of cooking for a richer flavor.
Vegetarian Boost
Add 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas for added protein, making this a vegetarian main course option.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roast turkey with gravy - the classic holiday pairing
- Honey-glazed ham - complements the sweet and tangy flavors
- Herb-roasted chicken - a lighter protein option
🍷 Drink Pairings:
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon works well.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Blanch and toast the almonds up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in airtight containers. Combine just before serving for best texture.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to restore the sauce's consistency.
Freezer Storage
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Do not freeze blanched beans separately as they become mushy.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or lemon juice to restore the sauce. Avoid boiling which will break the emulsion.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My beans are too soft
A: Green beans become mushy when overcooked. Blanch just until tender-crisp (2-3 minutes) and avoid overcooking in the sauce.
Q: Almonds are burning
A: Use a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Constant stirring is crucial - almonds toast quickly and burn easily.
Q: Sauce is separating
A: This happens when the emulsion breaks. Prevent this by adding lemon juice slowly while stirring constantly. If it separates, reheat gently while whisking.
Q: How to make it vegan?
A: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Ensure all other ingredients are vegan certified.
Final Thoughts
This classic green bean almondine recipe is the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. With its vibrant colors and satisfying textures, it's sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. The best part? It's so easy to make that you'll wonder why you've waited so long to try it.
Whether you're serving it alongside a juicy roast turkey or making it the star of a vegetarian meal, this dish will impress your guests with its restaurant-quality presentation. Don't forget to finish with a pinch of sea salt for that extra touch of sophistication.
