Green Beans with Almond Butter

Name: Green Beans with Almond Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed; 1/4 cup almond butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Everyday Healthy Meals Collection

I absolutely adore the combination of fresh green beans and rich almond butter! This dish has become a staple in my kitchen because it's not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to make. The creamy texture of the almond butter perfectly complements the crispness of the green beans, creating a delicious balance. Whether as a side dish or a light main, it’s a quick and satisfying option that comes together in just a few minutes. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe!

Created by

Natalie Evans

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:57:40.176Z

One day, I found myself with a bunch of fresh green beans and wanted to turn them into something absolutely delicious. I decided to pair them with almond butter, and to my surprise, it was a match made in heaven! The nuttiness of the almond butter mixed with a hint of garlic creates a unique flavor profile that elevates the simplicity of the green beans.

I've experimented with various seasonings, and I found that a touch of lemon juice really brightens the dish. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe, and now, I even serve it during gatherings to impress my guests. They always come back for seconds!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crisp green beans paired with creamy almond butter
A quick and easy side dish that impresses
Healthy, yet indulgent flavor profile

      

Perfecting Your Green Beans

Choosing high-quality green beans is crucial for this dish. Look for firm, vibrant beans with a slightly glossy finish, signaling freshness. When buying, opt for ones that snap easily when bent. This indicates they are fresh and not overripe. If you can find organic options, they often have a more pronounced flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

When blanching the green beans, timing is essential. Be sure to only cook them for about 3 minutes; overcooking can result in a mushy texture. After cooking, immediately transferring them to ice water not only stops the cooking process but also helps preserve their bright green color. This visual cue indicates that your beans will remain crisp and appealing when served.

Crafting the Almond Butter Sauce

The almond butter sauce is the star of this recipe, delivering a creamy, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the green beans. When heating the olive oil, ensure it's at a medium heat. This allows the garlic to become fragrant without burning—aim for a golden color, not brown, as burnt garlic can introduce bitterness to your sauce.

If you find the sauce too thick for your taste, you can add a teaspoon of warm water to achieve your desired consistency. It’s essential that you stir the almond butter and lemon juice until entirely smooth, which ensures a uniform coating on the green beans. This is crucial because it guarantees each bite is equally delicious and rich.

Serving and Storing Tips

The crisp green beans mix beautifully with the creamy almond butter sauce, making it an impressive dish for any table setting. To elevate the presentation, consider garnishing with chopped toasted almonds for added crunch and flavor. You can serve this dish warm, or at room temperature, making it incredibly versatile as a side or a light main course.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, taking care to avoid overcooking the green beans. If you’d like to prepare this ahead of time, consider making the almond butter sauce separately and tossing it with the blanched beans just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful culinary experience:

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1/4 cup almond butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

These simple ingredients come together to create a wonderfully flavorful dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to whip up this delicious dish:

Blanch the Green Beans

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Prepare the Almond Butter Sauce

In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond butter and lemon juice until smooth.

Combine and Serve

Drain the green beans from the ice water and add them to the pan with the almond butter sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious green beans with almond butter!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, consider adding some toasted almonds on top before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

While almond butter gives this dish its signature flavor, feel free to swap it with other nut butters, such as cashew or sunflower seed butter, for a different twist. Each nut butter brings its own unique taste and texture, but also be mindful of the consistency; you might need to adjust the olive oil or water to achieve creaminess.

For a nut-free version, tahini can be an excellent alternative. Its creamy texture and earthy flavor will blend well with the green beans. Additionally, pale miso paste can create a similar depth of flavor, though you may want to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste as miso can be quite salty.

Variations to Explore

To add a burst of freshness, consider incorporating zesty elements like orange zest or a dash of chili flakes into the almond butter sauce. This not only complements the nutty flavor but also adds a delightful zing to the dish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, can introduce a fragrant note that lifts the overall flavor profile.

If you'd like a heartier meal, mix in cooked quinoa or serve the green beans over a bed of fluffy rice. This elevates the dish from a side to a satisfying main, perfect for lunch or a light evening dinner. You can also stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for additional texture and nutrients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of almond butter?

Absolutely! Any nut butter like cashew or peanut butter would work well.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the green beans and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving.

→ What's a good alternative for lemon juice?

You can use lime juice or even apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

→ Is this dish vegan-friendly?

Yes, all the ingredients used are plant-based and suitable for vegans.