Sautéed Lemon-Garlic Green Beans with Toasted Almonds

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

Tender green beans sautéed in bright lemon juice and garlic, topped with crunchy toasted almonds for a refreshing side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs fresh green beans, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 130 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 130 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim the ends from 1 lb fresh green beans and rinse under cold water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then drain and immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Drain the green beans and add them to the skillet along with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, tossing to coat and heat through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds over the green beans before serving to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Lemon-Garlic 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 Sautéed Lemon-Garlic 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 fresh green beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Lemon-Garlic 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 Sautéed Lemon-Garlic 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 Sautéed Lemon-Garlic 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.

Related recipes