Elevate your side dishes with this fresh and vibrant recipe for Nut-Free Green Beans with Almonds—perfect for those seeking allergy-friendly alternatives without sacrificing flavor. Featuring tender-crisp green beans, toasted sunflower seeds as a nut-free "almond" substitute, and a bright burst of lemon and garlic, this dish is a delightful combination of crunch, zest, and aromatic herbs. The sunflower seeds provide a satisfying, golden crunch that pairs beautifully with the simplicity of the green beans, while fresh parsley adds a finishing touch of freshness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and healthy side dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings alike. Perfect for gluten-free and nut-free diets, it’s a versatile favorite that’s guaranteed to please every palate.
Begin by washing and trimming the green beans. Remove any stems or stringy parts.
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt, then add the green beans. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Immediately drain the green beans and immerse them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sunflower seeds and toast them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
Once toasted, remove the seeds from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic oil. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the toasted sunflower seeds over the top.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your nut-free green beans with a crunchy 'almond' topping!
Calories |
1250 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 100.8 g | 129% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.3 g | 62% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 50.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1218 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.5 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.0 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 36.7 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 295 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 2307 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.