Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds Recipe – A Bright and Elegant Vegetable Side

Difficulty:

2/5

Serves:

4 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds Recipe

This Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds recipe brings together crisp-tender green beans, sweet, caramelized shallots, and toasted almonds with a bright lemon dressing, creating a fresh and elegant vegetable side dish perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this recipe highlights simple ingredients prepared with thoughtful technique for a flavorful dish that feels both comforting and refined. Easy to prepare yet impressive on the plate, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll return to again and again.

The Inspiration

The inspiration behind Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds comes from classic European-style vegetable preparations that emphasize texture, balance, and clean flavors. By blanching the green beans briefly and shocking them in cold water, this recipe preserves their vibrant color and crisp bite. Host Vanessa Gianfrancesco often focuses on recipes that strike the perfect balance between approachable and polished, and this dish fits seamlessly into the Everyday Excellent philosophy.

This Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds recipe matters because it proves that vegetable side dishes don’t have to be an afterthought. With minimal effort and thoughtful seasoning, green beans become a standout component of the meal—perfect for both weeknight cooking and entertaining.

Ingredients

4 cups (500 g) fresh green beans, stems trimmed (haricots verts work well too)
2 shallots, thinly sliced (red onion can be substituted)
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 clove garlic, finely grated
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce (use vegetarian Worcestershire if needed)
½ cup (57 g) slivered almonds (or sliced almonds)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Methods

Bring a large pot of salt water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes, just until crisp-tender. Immediately strain and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking and preserve their bright green color. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant, for about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, grated garlic, salt and pepper to taste until well combined.
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil. Add the sliced shallots and cook for about 1 minute until softened. Add the blanched green beans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
Pour the dressing into the skillet and toss gently to coat the beans. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and glaze the vegetables. Remove from heat and season to taste.
Transfer to a serving dish and top with the toasted slivered almonds just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds recipe is incredibly versatile and works well for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or elegant dinner parties. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty grain-based main for a balanced plate.

For entertaining, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats and creamy mashed potatoes, making it a natural fit for festive spreads like Thanksgiving or Easter. It also works as a lighter side for brunch menus, complementing egg dishes and savory pastries. The bright lemon flavor and crunchy almonds ensure this vegetable side stands out without overwhelming the rest of the meal.

Final Thoughts

This Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients prepared with care, resulting in a side dish that’s both fresh and deeply satisfying. Featured on Everyday Excellent, it showcases how thoughtful techniques—like blanching, toasting, and balancing acidity—can transform everyday vegetables into something special.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or planning a holiday menu, this recipe delivers consistent flavor, beautiful presentation, and reliable results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs, citrus, or nut variations to make it your own. Elegant yet approachable, this green bean dish proves that the best recipes are often the simplest ones done well.

This Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create an elegant, flavorful vegetable side with minimal effort.

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