Roasted Veggies

Green Bean Almandine

Name: Green Bean Almandine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed; 1/2 cup (60g) sliced almonds; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon honey

By Willa Northcote · June 19, 2026 · Roasted Veggies

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves4

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that showcase the best of the season. Green Bean Almandine is one of those dishes that never fails to impress, with its perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and tangy. I remember making it for the first time at a summer dinner party, and it was a huge hit. The combination of blanched green beans, toasted almonds, and a zesty lemon dressing is a match made in heaven.

What I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish, add it to a salad, or even use it as a topping for a hearty bowl. And the best part? It's ridiculously easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So, what makes Green Bean Almandine so special? For starters, it's a great way to enjoy green beans in a whole new way. Rather than just steaming or roasting them, this recipe adds a delightful crunch and flavor from the almonds and lemon. And because it's made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, you can feel good about what you're putting into your body.

Whether you're a busy weeknight cook or a weekend entertainer, Green Bean Almandine is a recipe that's sure to become a favorite. It's perfect for any occasion, from a quick dinner to a special occasion. And with its bright, sunny flavors, it's a great way to add some excitement to your meals.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the simple steps to create this delicious dish. From selecting the freshest green beans to toasting the perfect almonds, I'll share my tips and tricks for making Green Bean Almandine that's sure to impress. So, let's get started and bring some sunshine to your plate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques
It's a great way to enjoy green beans in a whole new way, with a delightful crunch and flavor from the almonds and lemon
The dish is perfect for any occasion, from a quick dinner to a special occasion
It's made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, so you can feel good about what you're putting into your body
The recipe is highly versatile, and can be served as a side dish, added to a salad, or used as a topping for a hearty bowl
It's a great way to add some excitement to your meals, with its bright, sunny flavors and satisfying crunch

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Green Bean Almandine is all about balance and texture. By blanching the green beans, you preserve their vibrant color and tender crunch. Then, by toasting the almonds, you add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the beans perfectly. And finally, by whisking together a zesty lemon dressing, you bring everything together with a burst of citrusy freshness.

But what really makes this recipe work is the way the flavors and textures come together. The lemon dressing adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the almonds, while the green beans provide a satisfying crunch that keeps you wanting more. And because the dish is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, you can taste the difference in every bite.

One of the most important techniques in this recipe is the art of blanching. By briefly cooking the green beans in boiling water, you stop the cooking process and preserve their color and texture. This step is crucial, as it helps to bring out the natural sweetness in the beans and sets the stage for the rest of the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the way the flavors are layered. By adding the lemon dressing at the end, you preserve the delicate flavor of the green beans and almonds, and add a bright, citrusy note that brings everything together. This technique is essential, as it helps to create a dish that's both balanced and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Green Bean Almandine, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a few simple ingredients, including fresh green beans, sliced almonds, lemon juice, and olive oil. Be sure to choose the freshest green beans you can find, as they'll make all the difference in the final dish. And don't skip the step of toasting the almonds - it's essential for bringing out their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious dish:

1 pound (450g) fresh green beans, trimmedLook for bright green, tender beans with no signs of wilting or browning. You can also use frozen green beans, but be sure to thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels.
1/2 cup (60g) sliced almondsYou can use either raw or toasted almonds, but toasting them brings out their nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Simply spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
2 tablespoons lemon juiceFreshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for this recipe, as it adds a bright, tangy note that complements the green beans and almonds perfectly. Don't use bottled lemon juice, as it can be too acidic and lacking in flavor.
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilA good quality olive oil is essential for this recipe, as it adds a rich, fruity flavor that complements the green beans and almonds. Look for a mild, extra-virgin olive oil that's perfect for dressing salads and sautéing vegetables.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish, but be sure not to overdo it. Mince the garlic finely and sauté it in olive oil until fragrant, then add the green beans and almonds.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of the green beans and almonds, and helps to bring out their natural sweetness. Use a flaky sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle kick to the dish, and helps to balance out the flavors. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the almonds. Use curly-leaf parsley or flat-leaf parsley, whichever you prefer.
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the flavors. Use a good quality Parmesan cheese that's freshly grated for the best flavor.
1 tablespoon honeyHoney adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, and helps to balance out the acidity of the lemon juice. Use a mild, pure honey that's perfect for dressing salads and sautéing vegetables.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot with steamer basketColander or strainerCutting boardSharp knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskInstant-read thermometerBaking sheet

How to Make Green Bean Almandine

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and blanch the green beans for 4-6 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
2
While the green beans are cooking, toast the almonds in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
3
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
4
Add the blanched green beans to the bowl with the dressing, and toss to coat.
5
Add the toasted almonds to the bowl with the green beans, and toss to combine.
6
Stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7
Drizzle the honey over the top of the dish, and toss to coat.
8
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9
Serve the Green Bean Almandine at room temperature, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
10
To make ahead, prepare the dish up to a day in advance, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
11
To freeze, prepare the dish up to the point of adding the dressing, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and dress just before serving.

Expert Tips

Use the freshest green beans you can find, as they'll make all the difference in the final dish.
Don't overcook the green beans, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Toast the almonds in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned, to bring out their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Whisk the dressing ingredients together just before serving, as the lemon juice can cause the dressing to separate and become watery.
Add the honey to the dish just before serving, as it can make the dressing too sweet if added too early.
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, and to prevent the green beans from becoming soggy.
Garnish the dish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired, to add a pop of color and extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the green beans, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not toasting the almonds, which can make them lackluster and flavorless.
Using bottled lemon juice, which can be too acidic and lacking in flavor.
Not whisking the dressing ingredients together just before serving, which can cause the dressing to separate and become watery.
Adding the honey too early, which can make the dressing too sweet.
Not letting the dish rest for 10-15 minutes, which can cause the green beans to become soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the dish for extra color and flavor.
Use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some grated ginger or minced garlic to the dressing for an extra kick of flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a tangy and creamy flavor.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro, to the dish for extra flavor and color.
Use different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, for a different flavor and acidity.

What to Serve With Green Bean Almandine

Green Bean Almandine is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a side dish, add it to a salad, or use it as a topping for a hearty bowl. It's also a great addition to a charcuterie board or a vegetable platter.

Some ideas for serving Green Bean Almandine include:

Serve with grilled chicken or salmon for a healthy and flavorful mealAdd to a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheeseUse as a topping for a hearty bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a fried eggServe as a side dish with roasted meats or vegetablesAdd to a charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, and crackers

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Green Bean Almandine can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of adding the dressing, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

To freeze, prepare the dish up to the point of adding the dressing, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and dress just before serving.

When reheating the dish, be careful not to overheat it, as the green beans can become mushy and unappetizing. Simply reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, then serve.

Some tips for storing and reheating Green Bean Almandine include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of green beans should I use for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels.

How do I toast the almonds?

To toast the almonds, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.

Can I use different types of nuts?

Yes, you can use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a different flavor and texture.

How do I make the dressing?

To make the dressing, simply whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of adding the dressing, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

How do I reheat the dish?

To reheat the dish, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat it, as the green beans can become mushy and unappetizing.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of adding the dressing, then freeze. Thaw and dress just before serving.

What are some variations I can make to this recipe?

Some variations you can make to this recipe include adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, using different types of nuts, or adding grated ginger or minced garlic to the dressing.

The Full Recipe

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