Pan-Seared Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon Zest

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

Crisp-tender green beans seared with toasted almonds and bright lemon zest, creating a simple yet elegant side dish that complements any keto main course. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, keto) ready in about 12 minutes pairs ounces (about 350g) green beans, tablespoons, slivered almonds, tablespoon olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim the ends off 12 ounces green beans and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 ounces green beans to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tablespoons slivered almonds and cook for 2 minutes until the almonds are golden and the beans are evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the zest of 1 lemon, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until the lemon zest is fragrant.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Pan-Seared Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon Zest?

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 tablespoons, slivered almonds from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon Zest?

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 Pan-Seared Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon Zest 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 Pan-Seared Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon Zest vegetarian?

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

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