Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

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

Crisp-tender green beans toasted with almonds and brightened by lemon zest. This american-inspired vegetarian (keto) ready in about 12 minutes pairs green beans, olive oil, sliced almonds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim green beans and cut into 1-inch pieces. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add green beans and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges become slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup sliced almonds and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly until almonds are golden.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in zest and juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon 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 Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon?

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 green beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon?

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 Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon 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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