All Phases · Week 1+

Easy Green Bean Almondine (20-Minute Side Dish)

Scent Level 2 — Gentle 3.2g Protein / Serving Vegetarian · Gluten Free
Prep
8min
Cook
12min
Calories
125
Protein
3.2g
Carbs
9.5g
Fat
9g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
3.8g
Sodium
210mg
Protein / 100 kcal
2.6g

This classic French side dish transforms fresh green beans into something elegant yet effortless. Toasted buttery almonds and a hint of lemon elevate the natural snap of the beans. Ready in 20 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight vegetable side or holiday table addition.

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Ingredients To instructions →
Servings
4
From the Pantry Salt and pepper to taste, ice bath, water boiling
VegetarianGluten Free Meal Prep
Instructions ← Ingredients

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1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes. Drain. It's better to drain them early since overcooked beans lose all texture. For better control, use a pot with a steamer. Nice to have but not needed.

Timer
3:00

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add g...

2

Immediately transfer beans to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Let them sit for a minute before draining well and pat dry with a towel. Set aside.

Immediately transfer beans to a bowl of ice water ...

3

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add sliced almonds and toast, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Remove almonds to a plate.

Timer
3:00

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp b...

4

In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Add the blanched beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and lightly sizzling.

In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. ...

5

Add lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), salt, pepper, and most of the toasted almonds (reserve a few for garnish). Toss well. Transfer to a serving dish and top with reserved almonds.

Add lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), salt, pepp...

Chef's Note
Don't skip the ice bath! It locks in the bright green color and crisp texture. Toast the almonds separately so they don't steam and become chewy in the beans. When toasting almonds or any nuts, it's better to use less butter than more (a rarity in French kitchens) since you want them toasted not cooked soft.
Tools That Help
  • Why it helps
    Even heating for toasting almonds without burning
    Do you need this?
    Any good pan works fine, I prefer stainless for most cooking applications.
  • Why it helps
    Blanching beans without overboiling
    Do you need this?
    Nice to have
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GLP-1 Profile
Scent Level
2 — Gentle
Reheat Quality
2 — Fair
Fullness Factor
2 — Light
The fiber from green beans adds gentle bulk without heavy fats or starches. Excellent for volume eating on GLP-1.
Medication Phase
All Phases
Ozempic · Wegovy · Mounjaro · Zepbound · and all GLP-1
Leftover Intelligence
Best enjoyed fresh.