Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest Recipe

There’s something undeniably special about simple side dishes that manage to steal the spotlight—and Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest is exactly that kind of recipe. Perfect for any season, this dish shines on your holiday table just as beautifully as it does beside a weeknight roast chicken or grilled salmon. Its crisp-tender green beans, buttery toasted almonds, and bright citrus notes make it a celebration of freshness and texture.

Originally a French classic known as “Haricots Verts Amandine,” this elegant yet humble dish has stood the test of time. The name “amandine” refers to a method of cooking that features almonds—adding a nutty crunch that transforms simple vegetables into something truly memorable. With the refreshing lift of lemon zest, this Green Bean Almondine recipe is light, vibrant, and endlessly versatile—a beautiful way to bring color and flavor to your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest isn’t just a side—it’s a statement. Every forkful delivers the perfect balance of buttery richness, crisp vegetables, and citrus brightness. Here’s why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation:

• Effortless elegance: It looks and tastes gourmet but takes less than 20 minutes to make.

• Vibrant flavors: The combination of fresh lemon zest and toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch and tang.

• Healthy and fresh: Naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, it’s a feel-good addition to any meal.

• Perfect for all occasions: From Thanksgiving and Easter dinners to casual weeknights, it fits seamlessly into any menu.

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Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients to make this Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest shine:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free version)

• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional for garnish: extra lemon zest, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or additional toasted almonds

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Directions

1. Prepare the Green Beans
Start by washing and trimming the green beans. Cut off any tough ends and leave them whole for a classic presentation. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 3–4 minutes, or until they’re bright green and just tender.

2. Shock the Green Beans
To stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color, immediately transfer the beans into a large bowl of ice water. Let them sit for 1–2 minutes, then drain and pat dry with a clean towel. This simple blanch-and-shock method keeps your beans crisp and beautiful.

3. Toast the Almonds
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds (no butter yet). Toast them for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them—they can burn quickly once they start browning. Remove the almonds and set them aside.

4. Sauté with Butter and Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown—it should stay light and aromatic.

5. Combine and Toss
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter for about 2–3 minutes, just to reheat and coat them evenly. Sprinkle in the toasted almonds, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss again until everything is well combined.

6. Season and Serve
Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Transfer the Green Bean Almondine to a serving platter and finish with an extra touch of lemon zest or a few more toasted almonds on top. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

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The Secret to Perfect Green Bean Almondine

Achieving that ideal texture and flavor balance is all about timing and attention to detail. The secret lies in three simple steps:

1. Don’t overcook the beans: You want a crisp-tender bite, not mushy beans. Blanching them briefly before sautéing helps you control the doneness perfectly.
2. Toast the almonds properly: Toasting brings out the deep, nutty flavor that defines the “amandine” style. Always use medium heat and stir often.
3. Use fresh lemon zest: The zest adds brightness and contrast to the buttery almonds—it’s what transforms this from a simple side into a standout dish.

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Variations to Try

This recipe is delightfully adaptable. You can easily tweak it based on what’s in your pantry or your personal taste:

• With shallots or onions: Add thinly sliced shallots or onions to the butter before the garlic for a savory-sweet touch.

• With mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding the beans for an earthy twist.

• With citrus variations: Try orange zest for a softer sweetness or lime zest for a tropical hint.

• Dairy-free version: Use olive oil or dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.

• Nut-free option: Substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the almonds for a similar crunch.

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Serving Suggestions

Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest complements a wide range of main dishes. It pairs perfectly with:

• Roasted chicken or turkey – for a comforting, balanced dinner

• Grilled fish or salmon – the lemon zest ties the flavors together beautifully

• Steak or lamb – the crisp beans and citrusy almonds offer a fresh contrast to hearty meats

• Vegetarian mains – serve alongside mashed potatoes, lentil loaf, or vegetable risotto

During the holidays, it’s an elegant upgrade from traditional green bean casseroles. And for casual dinners, it adds sophistication without extra effort.

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Nutritional Benefits

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s full of nourishing ingredients:

• Green beans are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential minerals.

• Almonds add heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and vitamin E.

• Lemon zest and juice provide antioxidants and boost digestion with their natural acidity.

Together, these ingredients create a wholesome side that supports both wellness and indulgence—no heavy sauces or unnecessary calories required.

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Tips for Success

Even though Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest is simple, a few expert tips can make a big difference:

1. Choose fresh, firm green beans: Look for beans that snap easily when bent—they’ll stay crisp after cooking.

2. Salt the blanching water: Just like pasta, salted water enhances the flavor of the beans.

3. Cool the beans quickly: The ice bath locks in the color and prevents sogginess.

4. Toast almonds last-minute: Toast them right before cooking to keep them crunchy.

5. Don’t skip the zest: Lemon zest adds depth that plain juice can’t replicate.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead with a few smart tricks:

• Make-ahead: Blanch the green beans up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, quickly sauté them with butter, garlic, and almonds.

• Storage: Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the almonds crisp.

• Freezing: While you can freeze blanched beans, it’s best not to freeze the fully prepared dish since the almonds may lose their crunch.

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A Brief History of Almondine Cooking

The term “amandine” hails from classic French cuisine, where the addition of toasted almonds was a mark of refinement. It was a simple yet sophisticated way to elevate everyday vegetables or fish, transforming them into restaurant-worthy dishes.

Over time, French immigrants and chefs brought this culinary tradition to North America, where it became a beloved side dish in fine dining and home kitchens alike. The marriage of green beans and almonds represents a timeless balance—freshness meets richness, simplicity meets elegance. Adding lemon zest is a modern twist that enhances the flavor while keeping it light and contemporary.

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How to Keep Green Beans Vibrant and Crunchy

A common mistake when preparing green beans is overcooking them, which leads to dull color and mushy texture. To prevent this:

1. Use plenty of boiling water—at least four times the volume of the beans—to keep the temperature from dropping.

2. Add salt to the water (about 1 tablespoon per quart) to flavor the beans from within.

3. Blanch for no more than 4 minutes, depending on the size of your beans.

4. Immediately transfer to ice water for 2 minutes to halt the cooking process.

This method ensures your beans retain that gorgeous green hue and satisfying bite every time.

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Pairing Ideas for Complete Meals

If you’re planning a full meal, Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest can complement many main dishes beautifully. Try pairing it with:

• Garlic herb roasted chicken and creamy mashed potatoes

• Seared salmon with dill yogurt sauce for a refreshing, light dinner

• Lemon butter cod for a double dose of citrus perfection

• Beef tenderloin with roasted baby potatoes for an elegant dinner party spread

• Stuffed bell peppers or lentil loaf for a hearty vegetarian feast

It also fits seamlessly into a holiday menu, balancing out rich casseroles, stuffing, and gravies with its crisp and bright profile.

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Common Questions

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking. Fresh beans, however, offer the best texture and color.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely. Simply substitute olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative for the regular butter.

Q: What kind of almonds should I use?
Sliced almonds are ideal because they toast quickly and evenly. You can also use slivered almonds for a bit more crunch.

Q: Can I prepare this for a crowd?
Yes! Double or triple the recipe as needed. Toast the almonds separately and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.

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