Garlic and Herb Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright green beans quickly sautéed with garlic and fresh herbs, finished with crunchy toasted almonds for a simple yet elegant side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs trimmed fresh green beans, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 lb trimmed fresh green beans and blanch for 3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking; drain again after 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic is lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat, cooking for 3-4 minutes until heated through and starting to brown in spots.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds over the top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Herb Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic and Herb Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep trimmed fresh green beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Herb Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic and Herb Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic and Herb Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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