Garlic Green Beans with Almonds

Fresh, crisp green beans sautéed with garlic and topped with toasted almonds create a deliciously simple side dish that is both elegant and nutritious. Garlic Green Beans with Almonds are a perfect way to elevate everyday green beans into a flavorful accompaniment suitable for weeknight dinners or festive meals. The combination of tender-crisp green beans, fragrant garlic, and the nutty crunch of almonds provides a balance of textures and flavors that is irresistible.

This dish is light, healthy, and packed with nutrients, making it ideal for those who want quick, wholesome, and elegant side dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, fish, or can be enjoyed on its own as part of a plant-forward meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it:

• Is quick and easy to prepare
• Combines garlic flavor with a nutty crunch for a satisfying bite
• Is versatile enough for weeknight meals or special occasions
• Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
• Retains the natural crispness and flavor of green beans

It’s a side dish that always gets compliments and adds a touch of sophistication to any meal.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Perfectly balances fresh vegetables with toasted almonds and garlic
• Quick to prepare in under 20 minutes
• Healthy, flavorful, and low in calories
• Works with nearly any main course
• Can be easily customized with herbs, spices, or additional nuts

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 18–20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Calories: ~120 calories per serving (approx.)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
• ¼ cup sliced or slivered almonds
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice or zest for brightness

Cooking Directions

• Blanch or steam green beans until tender-crisp
• Toast almonds until golden
• Sauté garlic in olive oil
• Toss green beans with garlic and almonds
• Season and serve

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

1. Wash and trim green beans.
2. Optionally, blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to ice water to maintain color and crispness.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
2. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

1. In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add sliced or minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

Step 4: Cook the Green Beans

1. Add green beans to the skillet with garlic.
2. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, tossing frequently until beans are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Season

1. Add toasted almonds to the skillet and toss gently.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice or zest.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer to a serving dish.
2. Serve hot as a side dish.

How to Serve

• Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or steak
• Pair with rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal
• Add as a vegetable side to holiday meals or weeknight dinners
• Can be garnished with extra almonds or fresh herbs

Recipe Tips

• Blanch green beans first to maintain vibrant color and crispness
• Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning and bitterness
• Adjust garlic quantity based on preference
• Use fresh, firm green beans for best results
• Optional: add a pinch of red chili flakes for a slight kick

Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Green Beans: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic sauté.
2. Lemon Almond Green Beans: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
3. Herbed Green Beans: Toss with fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil before serving.
4. Parmesan Almond Green Beans: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for extra flavor.
5. Mixed Nuts: Use a combination of almonds, cashews, or pine nuts for varied texture and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Store leftover cooked green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to retain flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Blanched green beans can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat and toss with garlic and toasted almonds after thawing.
• Do not freeze fully cooked dish with almonds, as the nuts may lose texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or sauté pan
• Saucepan (if blanching)
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Garlic Green Beans with Almonds are a simple yet elegant side dish that combines fresh green beans, aromatic garlic, and nutty almonds for a flavorful, nutrient-packed accompaniment. Quick to prepare and versatile, this dish enhances any meal with its vibrant color, crunch, and delicious taste. Healthy, easy, and sophisticated, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves simple, flavorful vegetable dishes.