Save to Pinterest A vibrant, crisp side dish featuring tender green beans, fragrant garlic, and toasted almonds for a perfect blend of flavor and crunch.
I enjoy serving this dish during family dinners as it always gets compliments for its fresh flavors and satisfying crunch
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans: 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans trimmed
- Garlic: 2 cloves thinly sliced
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup (25 g)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Sea salt: 1/2 tsp or to taste
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add the green beans and blanch for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking Drain well and set aside
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet over medium heat toast the sliced almonds stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant about 2 minutes Remove almonds from the pan and set aside
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet add olive oil and sliced garlic Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned
- Step 4:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet Sauté stirring frequently for 3–4 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp-tender
- Step 5:
- Season with salt black pepper and optional lemon juice Toss to combine
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans and serve immediately
Save to Pinterest This dish is a family favorite especially during holiday meals when everyone craves something light and crunchy
Cooking Tips
Make sure not to overcook the green beans to keep their vibrant color and crisp texture
Variations
Try substituting almonds with hazelnuts or walnuts for a different nutty flavor
Serving Suggestions
Delicious alongside roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal
Save to Pinterest 
Enjoy this refreshing side dish that perfectly balances crunch and flavor every time
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep green beans crisp-tender?
Blanch green beans briefly in boiling salted water, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop cooking and maintain crispness.
- → Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, sliced hazelnuts or walnuts can be toasted and used as a flavorful alternative to almonds.
- → What’s the best way to toast almonds?
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- → How important is the lemon juice in this dish?
Lemon juice is optional but adds a subtle brightness that balances the rich garlic and nutty almonds.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but green beans and almonds can be prepared separately and combined just before serving to preserve texture.