Keto Green Bean Almondine
If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful side dish that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, look no further than this Keto Green Bean Almondine. This recipe combines tender green beans with toasted almonds in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a quick healthy side, Keto Green Bean Almondine delivers fresh, crisp textures and bold flavors that will brighten any meal. It’s simple to prepare, quick to cook, and fits seamlessly into your keto meal plan for a guilt-free, delicious treat anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Keto-Friendly Ingredients: Uses fresh green beans and almonds to keep carbs low and nutrients high.
- Flavorful and Nutty: The toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch and buttery depth, elevating basic green beans.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from grilled chicken to salmon or steak.
- Healthy and Whole Foods: No artificial additives or processed ingredients, just pure, wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Keto Green Bean Almondine are a handful of simple, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component contributes to the dish’s delightful texture, vibrant color, and rich flavor profile.
- Fresh Green Beans: Crisp and bright, they form the fresh base of this side dish.
- Sliced Almonds: Toasted golden to add a crunchy, nutty finish.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps blend all flavors smoothly.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced for a punch of aromatic, savory flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a subtle citrus zing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential to balance and enhance the natural flavors.
- Olive Oil (optional): For toasting almonds or lightly sautéing green beans as a healthy fat alternative.
Variations for Keto Green Bean Almondine
The beauty of Keto Green Bean Almondine is how adaptable it is! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you have on hand in your kitchen.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for subtle heat.
- Herb Infusions: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an herbal twist.
- Different Nuts: Swap almonds for pecans or walnuts for a new nutty texture and flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for a savory, melty addition.
How to Make Keto Green Bean Almondine
Step 1: Prep the Green Beans
Start by washing and trimming the ends of your green beans. For optimal texture, blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep them crisp.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
While the green beans cool, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add your sliced almonds. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to prevent burning.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Green Beans
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, careful not to burn it. Then add the blanched green beans and toss to coat in the buttery garlic mixture, heating through for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Finish and Season
Remove the skillet from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the green beans, sprinkle with toasted almonds, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one last gentle toss to combine the flavors perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Keto Green Bean Almondine
- Blanch with Care: Don’t overcook green beans; stopping them in an ice bath preserves their snap and bright color.
- Watch Almonds Closely: Almonds toast quickly, so stir constantly to avoid any bitterness from burning.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice really make the flavor pop.
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure green beans are thoroughly dried before sautéing to avoid steaming instead of sautéing.
- Adjust Butter Amount: Feel free to reduce or substitute with olive oil for a lighter or dairy-free option.
How to Serve Keto Green Bean Almondine
Garnishes
Finish your Keto Green Bean Almondine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few lemon zest strips for added color and freshness that complements the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This almondine green bean recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted proteins such as chicken, steak, pork, or fish, rounding out a balanced keto meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in a rustic cast iron skillet for an inviting presentation or arrange on a white platter with toasted almonds piled on top, tempting guests to dig in right away.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Keto Green Bean Almondine in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and texture.
Freezing
Although green beans can be frozen, toasted almonds may lose their crunch. For best results, freeze the green beans separately and add freshly toasted almonds after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water or olive oil to avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving as it may soften the almonds and green beans too much.
FAQs
Is Keto Green Bean Almondine suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients and cooking skills, perfect for keto beginners looking for an easy side dish.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh green beans yield the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before cooking to prevent sogginess.
What can I substitute for almonds if I have a nut allergy?
Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make excellent nut-free alternatives that still provide a delightful crunch and nutty taste.
How many carbs are in Keto Green Bean Almondine?
This recipe is very low in carbs, making it ideal for keto diets; green beans and almonds both provide fiber and healthy fats without spiking blood sugar.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil to keep the recipe plant-based while maintaining rich, buttery flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Green Bean Almondine is one of my go-to side dishes when I want something quick, delicious, and keto-friendly. It’s such a simple way to transform everyday green beans into a flavorful, elegant accompaniment that’s full of texture and freshness. Give it a try today and watch this humble vegetable become the star of your keto meal plan.
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Keto Green Bean Almondine
Keto Green Bean Almondine is a quick, flavorful low-carb side dish featuring tender green beans sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce and topped with toasted almonds. This dish combines fresh, crisp textures with nutty, buttery flavors, making it a perfect healthy and keto-friendly addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for toasting almonds or sautéing)
Instructions
- Prep the Green Beans: Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. Blanch them in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and keep crisp.
- Toast the Almonds: While the green beans cool, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Green Beans: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Add the blanched green beans and toss to coat with the buttery garlic mixture, heating through for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and Season: Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over green beans, sprinkle toasted almonds on top, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
Notes
- Don’t overcook green beans; blanching and an ice bath preserve snap and color.
- Watch almonds closely while toasting to avoid bitterness from burning.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for vibrant flavor.
- Dry green beans thoroughly before sautéing to avoid steaming.
- Adjust butter quantity or substitute with olive oil for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: keto, low carb, green beans, almondine, side dish, garlic, butter, healthy, quick, easy
