Sides · Vegetable side

Lemon Almond Green Beans

Raw almonds turn fragrant and golden with a few minutes in a skillet. Adding them after the green beans have drained keeps their crunch distinct from the tender vegetables.

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Lemon Almond Green Beans ingredient illustration with Woodstock product packaging on a textured background.
Ingredient illustration composed from supplied product packaging photography; not a photograph of the finished dish.
Yield
4 side servings
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound green beans, stem ends trimmed
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly choppedWoodstock: USDA Organic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oilBragg: USDA Organic
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus 1 teaspoon for cooking water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Amounts above are for cooking. Products are sold in retail packages; pantry extras may be needed.

Method

  1. Boil the beans

    Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt. Add green beans and simmer for 4 to 6 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender; taste one to judge texture.

  2. Drain until dry

    Drain thoroughly and spread briefly on a clean kitchen towel so water does not dilute the dressing. Keep the beans warm while preparing the almonds.

  3. Toast the almonds

    Warm oil in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped almonds and stir for 4 to 5 minutes until pale golden and fragrant. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds, then remove the skillet from heat.

  4. Toss with lemon

    Add drained beans to the warm skillet with lemon juice, zest, remaining salt and pepper. Toss until coated; return to low heat for 1 to 2 minutes if needed to warm through without scorching the nuts.

Kitchen tips

Keep almonds moving in the pan; small pieces darken quickly after the first golden spots appear.

Zest the lemon before juicing and avoid the bitter white pith.

Substitutions

Replace almonds with shelled pumpkin seeds for a nut-free variation; inspect every label for your needs.

No dairy or wheat is added. For dairy-free or gluten-free requirements, check packaged almonds, oil and seasonings rather than assuming a recipe-wide certification.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours at 40°F or below for up to 3 days. Rewarm gently in a skillet; the almonds will soften after storage.

Serving suggestions

Serve in a shallow bowl as a side for roast chicken, fish or a vegetable main, scraping the lemony almond pieces over the top.

Make ahead

Trim beans and chop almonds a day ahead. Refrigerate the beans and keep almonds airtight; cook shortly before serving for the best texture.

Allergen details

Contains: almonds.

Check each product label for allergen details.

Shop the ingredients

Current retail packages for this recipe. Check quantities and labels before buying.

Add one of each available product. Pantry extras are not included.

  • Woodstock Organic Raw Almonds - 7.5 oz × 1 — $10.07
  • Bragg - Olive Oil - Organic - Extra Virgin - 16 fl oz × 1 — $22.38

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use sliced almonds?

Yes, use 1/2 cup and begin checking after 2 minutes because the thinner pieces toast faster than chopped whole almonds.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Cook them according to the package until crisp-tender, then drain very well. They may be softer than fresh beans but can use the same lemon-almond finish.