Are you looking for a side dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? This easy fresh green bean recipe with toasted almonds is the perfect solution! When you need a quick and light lunch or a flavorful weeknight side, look no further. This recipe features fresh green beans cooked to crisp-tender perfection. Toasted almonds add an irresistible nutty crunch that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. For those seeking more green bean dish inspiration, explore our collection of flavorful and healthy green bean recipes to find the perfect one for your taste buds.

This easy green bean recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can whip up this delicious side dish in no time.

Skip the bland and boring green beans. This easy recipe injects freshness and flavor, making it a tasty side dish you’ll crave. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for all dietary needs.

Fresh Green Beans Recipe Ingredients

Believe it or not, this restaurant-worthy side dish requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Fresh green beans take center stage, of course, but pantry staples like olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper come together to create this perfect side dish. Toasted sliced almonds add a touch of luxury and delightful crunch, all without requiring a complicated grocery list.

1 lb fresh French green beans or regular green beans, (washed & trimmed)
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, or avocado oil
1/4 cup slivered almonds
salt & black pepper to taste
squeeze of fresh lemon juice

ingredients for easy healthy fresh green beans recipe with almonds, each ingredient in separate dish

The Best Way to Cook Fresh Green Beans

While personal preference plays a role, steaming is the easiest way to cook string beans. It unlocks the best qualities of fresh green beans for this recipe. Unlike boiling, which can leave them limp, the cooking process of steaming coaxes them to crisp-tender perfection. This gentle approach preserves their vibrant bright green color for a delightful presentation, and more importantly, retains valuable nutrients.

Steaming also allows the natural sweetness of the beans to shine, minimizing the need for extra flavorings. In short, steaming is a fast, healthy, and delicious way to transform green beans from an afterthought to a delightful side dish.

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For ultimate ease, invest in a simple steamer pot – it will become your go-to for perfectly steamed green beans every time.

How to Cook Fresh Green Beans

First, grab a steamer pot, or saucepan with a steamer basket.

Next, fill the bottom of the pot with 1-2″ of water.

saucepan with water at the bottom of the pot

Then place the steamer basket onto the pot and fill it with the fresh beans. Cover the pot with a lid, and bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, lower to a simmer and steam for 7-10 minutes until crisp-tender.

While the green beans are cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Then add the sliced almonds and toast them for 2-3 minutes until golden brown while stirring continuously.

After 2-3 minutes, remove the toasted almonds from the heat.

The green beans will cook to a perfect crisp-tender. Neither crunchy nor soggy, but simply perfect.

When the green beans finish cooking transfer them into the skillet with the almonds.

transfer steamed french green beans to skillet with almonds

Toss to coat.

cooked green beans in skillet with almond slices

The Best Fresh Green Bean Recipe with Toasted Almonds

Just before serving, for a burst of brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice or sprinkle on some lemon zest.

healthy fresh green beans side dish with golden brown toasted almond slices

The toasted almond slices add a delightful crunch with a nutty flavor and a hint of caramelized sweetness. The green beans are cooked to a perfect crisp-tender texture, bursting with fresh flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper for an irresistible bite.

steamed green beans in a bowl with toasted almonds

This versatile side dish complements any meal beautifully, adding a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or a holiday meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a quick and delicious reheat.

Easy Fresh Green Beans Recipe with Toasted Almonds

More delicious fresh green beans recipes:

Fresh Green Beans Recipe with Toasted Almonds

Name: Fresh Green Beans Recipe with Toasted Almonds
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: clean eating
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh French green beans or regular green beans; 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, or avocado oil; 1/4 cup slivered almonds; salt & black pepper to taste; squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

This easy healthy fresh green beans recipe with toasted almonds is quick & perfect for weeknights or holidays. Ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh French green beans or regular green beans
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, or avocado oil
1/4 cup slivered almonds
salt & black pepper to taste
squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

First, trim and wash the green beans if not prewashed and trimmed.
Then Fill the bottom of a steamer pot with 1-2" of water.
Add the green beans to the steamer basket, cover and bring the water to a boil
Once boiling, lower to a simmer and steam for 7-10 minutes
While the beans cook, add the oil to a large skllet
Toast the almonds in the oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, stirring the entire time
Remove from the heat.
When the green beans are done cooking to a tender crips, add the beans to the skillet and toss with the sliced almonds.
Squeeze with fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Easy Fresh Green Beans Recipe with Toasted Almonds