Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish featuring tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds, butter, and a hint of lemon. This classic French-inspired recipe is perfect for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or as an accompaniment to any main course.
What is Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine?
Green Beans Almondine is a traditional French dish that combines blanched green beans with toasted almonds in a buttery, lemony sauce. Ina Garten’s version keeps it simple, highlighting fresh, high-quality ingredients for a light and flavorful side.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Elegant presentation: Perfect for entertaining.
- Healthy and delicious: Packed with nutrients and flavor.
- Versatile pairing: Complements a wide variety of main courses.
- Beginner-friendly: Simple steps for a gourmet result.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine
- Fresh green beans: 1 pound, trimmed
- Sliced almonds: 1/3 cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine
Step 1: Blanch the green beans
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the almonds
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast them for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the garlic
- In the same skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine the ingredients
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter. Stir in the toasted almonds, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
- Transfer the green beans almondine to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine
- Roast chicken: A classic pairing with savory poultry dishes.
- Grilled fish: Complements the light, flaky texture of seafood.
- Mashed potatoes: Adds a touch of freshness to a hearty side.
- Holiday meals: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas spreads.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine
- Don’t overcook the beans: Keep them crisp and vibrant by briefly blanching them.
- Toast almonds carefully: Stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Use fresh lemon: Adds brightness and enhances the flavors.
- Prepare ahead: Blanch green beans in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Customize the seasonings: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine
- Bacon addition: Toss in cooked, crumbled bacon for extra richness.
- Cheesy touch: Sprinkle-grated Parmesan over the beans before serving.
- Nut swap: Use pecans or hazelnuts instead of almonds.
- Garlic lover’s version: Add extra garlic for a bolder flavor.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as green beans may lose their texture.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for green beans almondine?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Thaw them first, then blanch briefly in boiling water to ensure they are tender and vibrant before proceeding with the recipe.
How do I keep green beans bright green when cooking?
Blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes and immediately transfer them to an ice water bath. This stops the cooking process and preserves their vibrant color.
What can I substitute for almonds in green beans almondine?
You can use other nuts like pecans, hazelnuts, or walnuts. For a nut-free option, try toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Can almondine for green beans be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds ahead of time. Store them separately, then reheat the beans and assemble the dish just before serving.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine is a timeless side dish that combines simplicity with elegance.
Try it today and enjoy a classic dish with Ina’s signature touch!
More Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche
- Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Ina Garten Lemon Icebox Cake
- Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna
- Ina Garten Vanilla Cake
Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Green Beans Almondine is a traditional French dish that combines blanched green beans with toasted almonds in a buttery, lemony sauce. Ina Garten’s version keeps it simple, highlighting fresh, high-quality ingredients for a light and flavorful side.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans: 1 pound, trimmed
- Sliced almonds: 1/3 cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Blanch the green beans
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the almonds
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast them for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the garlic
- In the same skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine the ingredients
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter. Stir in the toasted almonds, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
- Transfer the green beans almondine to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.