Crisp-tender green beans tossed with golden garlic and crunchy almonds - these Simple Italian Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds are the perfect quick side dish for any meal. Light, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes, they bring a touch of Italian simplicity to your table with only a handful of ingredients.
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This easy vegetable side dish is the way I most often cook green beans, and the way my mom and grandma used to cook them (even if my grandma loved to overcook them). The green beans are boiled, then sauteed with olive oil and garlic, then finished with toasted almonds for a nutty crunch. It's an elegant yet effortless recipe that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or fish - and it's so tasty, you'll want to eat it straight from the pan.
For more easy side dishes check out also these Stir-Fried Broccolini with Garlic and Chili Pepper, this Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake, or these Italian Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
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🧾 Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans - Use thin, tender green beans (also called fine beans or haricots verts). Trim the ends before cooking.
- Olive Oil - Use extra-virgin olive oil for authentic Italian flavor.
- Garlic - Sliced thinly or minced for a fragrant base that infuses the oil.
- Almonds - Sliced or slivered almonds add a lovely crunch and mild sweetness.
- Salt & Black Pepper - Simple seasoning to bring out the best in the beans.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🍳 Substitutions
- Green Beans → Use yellow beans or asparagus for a variation.
- Almonds → Swap with pine nuts (also a very popular pairing), hazelnuts, or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Olive Oil → Substitute with butter for a richer, more indulgent taste.
- Garlic → Try shallots for a sweeter, milder option.
🥣 Variations
- Zesty - Add some lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice for some freshness.
- Parmesan Finish - Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top for a cheesy touch.
- Spicy Kick - Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the olive oil with the garlic.
- Balsamic Glaze - Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar just before serving for depth and sweetness.
📋 Instructions with Photos
Step 1. Boil the green beans in salted water until slightly tender.
Step 2. Toast the almonds in a skillet until lightly brown.
Step 3. Heat the olive oil with the garlic slices, careful not to brown it.
Step 4. Add the drained green beans and sautèed until fragrant. Season to taste.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve these Italian green beans warm or at room temperature as a side to grilled chicken, baked fish, Italian meatloaf, or roasted pork. For a light lunch, serve them with a soft-boiled egg and some crusty bread.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over low heat until just heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the beans crisp.
Freezer: Not recommended - the texture of the beans becomes soft when thawed.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before sautéing. They won't be quite as crisp but will still be delicious.
Blanching helps them stay vibrant and crisp-tender. It only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference.
Of course! Try topping with toasted breadcrumbs or Parmesan instead.
⭐ Top tip
Blanch the beans just until tender and bright green, then shock them in cold water. It's optional, but this step stops the cooking process and keeps their color and crunch perfectly intact.
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📖 RECIPE
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-6 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain completely.
- In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (don't let it burn).
- Add the blanched green beans to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper, and toss for 2-3 minutes to coat in the garlic oil.
- Stir in the toasted almonds. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Notes
- Adjust the garlic to your liking - for a milder flavor, keep it whole and remove it early.
- If making ahead, keep the almonds separate and add before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Delicious both warm and cold, making it great for meal prep or picnics.
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Maria L. says
My nonna used to make green beans just like these. So simple but I love the garlic flavor and I liked the crunch of the almonds. It made travel back in time
Jessica Montanelli says
I'm so glad to hear this! 😀