Hey y’all! Looking for a stunning yet easy side dish that elevates any meal? These Elegant Green Beans are crisp-tender, vibrantly Green, and kissed with fragrant garlic and buttery almonds—guaranteed to impress at dinner parties or weeknight dinners. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a breeze to prepare. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Elegant Green Beans Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or just adding a touch of elegance to your weeknight meal.
- Packed with fresh flavors and irresistible texture thanks to crisp beans and toasted almonds.
- Light and healthy, complementing everything from hearty roasts to simple baked chicken.
- Beautiful presentation guaranteed to impress guests or family alike!
Elegant Green Beans Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How to Make Elegant Green Beans
Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and trim 1 lb of green beans. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Blanch the Green Beans
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they’re vibrant green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately transfer beans to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain well.
Sauté for Flavor
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced almonds and toast for 2 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden.
- Stir in the minced garlic; sauté another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add drained green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until beans are hot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Toss to combine.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes for the Best Elegant Green Beans
- For the freshest taste, choose bright green beans that snap easily—learn how to select the best produce from Vegetables.co.nz.
- Don’t skip the ice bath—this helps lock in that vibrant color and crisp texture!
- If preparing ahead, blanch beans and refrigerate until ready to sauté.
Variations on Elegant Green Beans
- With Bacon: Sauté 3 chopped slices of bacon until crisp, then add green beans as directed.
- Lemon Parmesan: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and extra lemon juice at the end for a zesty, cheesy finish.
- Garlic & Shallot: Swap out half the garlic for one minced shallot and sauté together for extra depth.
Required Equipment for Elegant Green Beans
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Bowls (for ice bath and prepping beans)
- Measuring spoons
Elegant Green Beans Storage Instructions
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- Green beans won’t freeze as well, as they may lose their crispness.
Serving Suggestions for Elegant Green Beans
- Pair these beans with roasted meats, baked salmon, or a classic holiday turkey.
- They also shine next to mashed potatoes and a hearty vegetarian main.
- For a complete meal, serve with a tangy vinaigrette salad and some crusty bread.
Pro Tips For Elegant Green Beans
- Use a sharp zester for the lemon to avoid bitter pith—see how to zest citrus like a pro.
- Toast almonds just until fragrant to prevent burning; they add wonderful crunch!
- Always taste and adjust seasoning right before serving for best flavor—more tips from Bon Appétit here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elegant Green Beans
- Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
- Yes, but fresh beans are best for texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before blanching.
- Can I make Elegant Green Beans ahead of time?
- Blanch the beans and store. Sauté just before serving to keep them crisp and bright.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free—double-check your brand of almonds to be sure.
Prep & Total Time for Elegant Green Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain again.
-
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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3Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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4Add green beans to the skillet and toss to combine. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
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5Stir in lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle with toasted almonds before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
130cal
Protein:
3 gg
Fat:
8 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
13 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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