Green Beans with Almonds and Caramelized Shallots

This is truly my favorite green bean recipe. The caramelized shallots, crunchy toasted almonds, and juicy green beans are a trio made in heaven! After trying this dish, you may never want to prepare green beans any other way.

Why This Recipe Works

• This recipe is brilliantly simple! It uses only a few wholesome ingredients like fresh green beans, almonds, and onions. It’s all very simple – just briefly cook each of the ingredients on the stovetop and toss them together. The combination of flavors and textures of the tender beans, crunchy toasted nuts and sweet caramelized shallots is amazing.
• Green beans with almonds is usually considered a more elegant side dish. And although this recipe is easy to prepare, it naturally makes any meal feel like a special occasion! It’s the perfect veggie for holiday dinners or a busy week night at home – refined but rustic and familiar, and completely delicious.
• This easy green bean recipe is also super quick to make! Clean up is easy, too. You only need one pan for toasting the almonds and caramelizing the onions, and then one big pot for blanching the beans. Then before you know it, this dish is ready to serve in 30 minutes or less.

Recipe Ingredients

• Almonds – I prefer raw sliced almonds because they are wide and thin and offer a light crispy texture to the dish. However, you can use slivered almonds if you like.
• Olive oil – This oil is rich but light in flavor, making it great for sautéing and caramelizing the shallots. Avocado oil is another good option!
• Shallots – This type of onion is so mild and slightly sweet, yet adds an abundance of flavor in this dish. Simply peel and thinly slice them into rings or half-circles.
• Green beans – Use the thin, French type of green beans (aka: Haricot Verts), if possible. If you can’t find them, regular green beans will work. Keep in mind, they may need an extra minute or two in the boiling water since they are slightly thicker. Regardless of the type, be sure to wash and trim off the ends of the beans, if needed.
• Vinegar – You can use rice vinegar or white distilled in this recipe. Both are fairly mild in taste, but rice vinegar is a bit lighter.
• Salt and pepper – Add salt and pepper according to the recipe. Then, taste and add an extra pinch of each, if needed.

How to Make Green Beans with Almonds and Caramelized Shallots

1. In a large skillet, toast the almonds over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer immediately to a paper towel or plate.

2. Wipe that skillet with a clean towel to remove any almond pieces or dust (keep in mind the pan will be hot), then return to medium heat. Add the oil and heat for about 15 seconds.
3. Add the shallot slices and turn the heat down to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the shallots, stirring frequently, until medium brown and caramelized. This can take anywhere from 5–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices.

1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot or saucepan filled with water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans all at once and cook for about 3 minutes to blanch, or until they’re bright green and tender, yet slightly crisp.

1. Drain the green beans well or remove them with tongs, leaving as much water behind as possible. Transfer them to the skillet containing the shallots. Add the vinegar, salt, and pepper and toss to combine and coat the green beans. Give the green beans a taste and add more salt and pepper, to taste.

1. Transfer to a large bowl or platter and sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top. Serve immediately.

Looking for More Side Dish Recipes? Then You Have to Try My:

• Perfect Vegan Mashed Potatoes
• Easy Roasted Curry Vegetables
• Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze
• Celebration Rice and Beans

Recipe Tips and Variations

• This recipe is naturally gluten free, but I always recommend that you check all ingredient labels to be sure, if needed.
• You can make green beans and almonds with frozen beans if you like. Simmer them for 1 minute less than the suggested stovetop cook time on the package. Then continue with my recipe as directed.
• Keep a close eye on the almonds so they don’t burn as you toast them.
• Be patient with the shallots. You want them to get a lovely deep, brown color so they’re full of flavor. So don’t rush the caramelization process!
• Green beans with almonds is actually easy to make ahead! The almonds can be toasted and cooled, the shallots can be sliced, and the green beans can be blanched and cooled the day before. Store all three in separate airtight containers or resealable storage bags. Store the almonds at room temperature and the shallots and green beans in the fridge until needed. Then simply saute the onions, add the green beans to reheat, and toss in the almonds!
• Want a dish that’s nut-free? No problem! You can leave out the almonds to make this a delicious Green Beans with Caramelized Onions recipe.

What do you serve with Green Beans and Almonds?

The lightly sweet, nutty flavor of beans with shallots and almonds is delicious with a variety of savory main dishes.

For cozy weeknight and weekend dinners, trying serving the green beans with vegan Shepherd’s Pie, Mushroom Wellington, Baked Mac and Cheese or Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole. These are sure to make everyone at the table happy!

Additionally, it’s a great fuss-free holiday side dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any occasion!

How long do leftovers last?

This veggie dish is definitely best to enjoy soon after cooking for the best textures and taste.

You can certainly keep leftovers in the fridge for about a week, however, let everything cool before transferring to a sealed container before refrigerating.

How do you reheat green beans?

If you decide to keep leftovers, I suggest reheating these green beans in a skillet on the stovetop. Stir them regularly as you reheat them over medium heat for a few minutes.