Lemon Pepper Green Beans
Bright lemon pepper green beans feature toasted almonds, offering a crunchy, tangy side perfect for family dinners or special occasions with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the green beans until tender, then drain.
- Saute sliced almonds in butter until lightly browned.
- Add lemon and pepper seasoning salt to the almonds and butter mixture.
- Toss the toasted almonds and butter mixture with the cooked green beans until well coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the almonds prior to sautéing them in butter. If you want a twist, try using cashews or walnuts instead of almonds. Fresh green beans provide the best texture, but frozen can also work well. Adjust the lemon and pepper seasoning according to your taste preference, especially if serving alongside dishes like Cheddar-Broccoli Scramble.
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Pepper Green Beans make a vibrant side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, such as Orange Roughy With Peppers. Consider serving them alongside a grain like quinoa or rice for a complete meal. For a festive touch, garnish with lemon zest or additional toasted almonds before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Lemon Pepper Green Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second intervals or sauté in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving can revive the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Pepper Green Beans contains roughly 692 calories, with 26g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 15g 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 canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?
While you can use canned green beans, they may not hold up as well in terms of texture. If using canned, drain and rinse them, then add them to the sautéed almonds just to heat through, avoiding overcooking them.
What if I can't find lemon and pepper seasoning salt?
You can easily make your own by combining equal parts lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Alternatively, use regular salt and add freshly squeezed lemon juice for a similar flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal products aside from butter. For a vegan option, simply substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
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).