Light and buttery Green Beans Almondine is a timeless holiday side my mom has made for years. Crunchy slivered almonds and fresh lemon zest add texture and brightness to this simple, elegant vegetable dish.
The holidays are the perfect time for this recipe that’s been on our Thanksgiving table for as long as I can remember. While many holiday sides are rich and heavy (and delicious), these green beans offer a lighter, fresher option that still feels special.
This two-part method starts by blanching fresh green beans, then finishing them on the stovetop with shallot, garlic, almonds, butter, and a squeeze of lemon. It cooks quickly and frees up oven space for other holiday favorites.
Key tip: Don’t skip blanching. That short boil and ice bath lock in the vibrant green color while ensuring beans remain tender-crisp. Add these to your holiday menu — they’re simple, quick, and crowd-pleasing.
Featured Comment
“Branched out this and made this recipe instead of FFF’s green bean casserole. Such a good alternative. Very happy with how it turned out.” – Katie
What You Need for Green Beans Almondine
- Green beans
- Olive oil and butter
- Shallot and garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice and zest
- Slivered almonds
Green Beans Almondine Variations
Citrus: Lemon adds a lively finish, but orange juice and zest also work or you can omit citrus for a straightforward buttery flavor.
Almonds: Use toasted slivered almonds for extra nuttiness. To toast: melt 1 tablespoon butter in a pan over medium-high heat, add almonds, and cook until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately and use as directed.
More of our Favorite…
Veggie Side Dishes
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Glazed Carrots
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
Storage
This is best served fresh—the crisp beans and crunchy almonds taste brightest right after cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
We don’t recommend freezing Green Beans Almondine.
More of our Favorite…
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
Looking for more healthy Thanksgiving recipes? Explore other ideas to complete your holiday table.
Serving Suggestions
Green Beans Almondine pairs well with classic holiday mains and sides: roasted turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon, or cheesy scalloped potatoes. It works as a lighter alternative to a green bean casserole or alongside one for variety.
Green Beans Almondine
Ingredients
- Ice bath
- 4 cups water
- 1.25 teaspoons salt, divided (and to taste)
- 1 lb. green beans, rinsed, ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for serving
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup raw slivered almonds*
- Lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
To Blanch the Green Beans
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Prepare an ice bath: add 4 cups of ice to a large bowl and fill with cold water. Set aside.
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Fill a large pot with 3–4 cups of water, add 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
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Add the green beans and boil for 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat, drain the beans, and immediately submerge them in the ice bath. Let sit 5–10 minutes to stop the cooking.
For the Green Beans Almondine
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While the beans cool, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
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Add the shallot, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt (reserve the rest to taste), and pepper. Sauté 3–4 minutes until the shallot is translucent and fragrant.
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Add 2 tablespoons butter, then toss in the chilled green beans and fresh lemon juice.
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Sauté 3–5 more minutes until heated through. Stir in the slivered almonds.
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Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve garnished with lemon zest and an extra pat of butter if desired.
Tips & Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Almonds: Toast slivered almonds in 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat until golden and fragrant, then remove immediately and use as directed.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 4 g, Fat: 13 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 2 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
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