Elevate your side dish game with this irresistible recipe for Nutty Green Beans—a perfect balance of crisp-tender green beans, rich toasted nuts, and a zesty splash of lemon. These green beans are blanched to preserve their vibrant color and fresh flavor, then tossed in a buttery garlic-infused olive oil with a medley of toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. A hint of lemon zest and juice adds a bright, tangy finish, making this dish as refreshing as it is satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, this vegetable side pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even as a holiday table standout. Nutty Green Beans are an easy, elegant addition to any meal, bringing texture, flavor, and visual appeal to your plate.
Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them under cold water.
Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt and the green beans. Let them blanch for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Prepare a large bowl filled with 2 cups of ice cubes and cold water. Once the beans are done blanching, immediately transfer them to the ice bath to stop cooking and preserve their vibrant color.
In a large frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Finely mince the garlic cloves. Add the garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add the chopped nuts to the pan and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and aromatic.
Drain the green beans from the ice bath and pat them dry with paper towels. Add them to the pan with the garlic and nuts.
Season with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together until the green beans are evenly coated and warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
Grate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest over the green beans, then squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss again to combine.
Transfer the Nutty Green Beans to a serving dish and serve warm or at room temperature.
Calories |
851 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.2 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.4 g | 97% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1246 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.2 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.6 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.7 g | ||
| Protein | 17.4 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 333 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1367 mg | 29% | |
*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.