Green Beans With Almonds And Basil
A vibrant side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds and fresh basil, perfect for spring meals or elegant dinners with a nutty, herbaceous flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the green beans and remove any strings.
- Bring a small amount of water to a boil, add green beans, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Drain the green beans well.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the slivered almonds and cook until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced parsley and basil.
- Combine the green beans with the almond-butter mixture and toss to coat.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider toasting the almonds in the skillet before adding the butter. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or pecans work well as substitutes. To enhance the dish, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs can also suffice in a pinch; use about a third of the amount.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a side to grilled chicken or fish for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Home-Style Vegetable Dip as an appetizer. For a complete meal, consider combining it with a grain salad or serving alongside a light pasta dish. It also complements American recipes well, enhancing any barbecue spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans With Almonds And Basil contains roughly 88 calories, with 4g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, but the texture will differ slightly. Frozen green beans are blanched before freezing, so they require less cooking time—about 5-7 minutes in boiling water. Be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
If fresh basil is unavailable, you can substitute it with dried basil, using about a third of the amount. Alternatively, try using other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the almond-butter mixture and cook the green beans ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Just combine and reheat before serving to maintain the texture and flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).