Garlicky Italian Green Beans with Toasted Almonds Lemon

Garlicky Italian Green Beans Quick Easy Delish

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 19, 2025Updated: September 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Craving Italian?

Fancy a quick and easy side that'll make you feel like you're dining in Tuscany? Let's make some incredible Italian Green Beans ! Honestly, these garlic green beans are packed with flavour and feature that perfect al dente bite.

A Taste of Italy

This green bean recipe hails from simple, rustic Italian cooking. It's a great italian side dish . This version is super easy, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish.

Each batch makes about 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small get-together. Think of it as a classic, improved!

Why You'll Love This

This recipe is all about fresh flavors. The green beans with lemon create brightness. Plus, it's a healthy choice, packed with vitamins and fibre.

Serve it alongside grilled chicken or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. This isn't just another boring side dish recipe ; it's a flavor explosion in every bite.

Time to Get Cooking: The Ingredients You'll Need!

Ingredients & Equipment for Garlicky Italian Green Beans

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make these amazing italian green beans . Trust me, it’s easier than making a cuppa.

And the best part? They're a fantastic side dish . I mean, who doesn't love a killer green bean recipe ?

Main Ingredients for Spectacular Italian Green Beans

1 pound ( 454g ) fresh green beans , trimmed. Quality matters! They should be firm and bright green.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Go for the good stuff. It makes a difference!
3 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly minced is the way to go. Seriously.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Adds a little zing.
1/4 cup ( 30g ) slivered almonds. Crunchy goodness is coming your way.
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff? Nope. Fresh is best.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You know, season to your heart's content!
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional). Makes it look fancy.

When you are choosing your green beans, go for the slender ones. That makes the sauteed green beans amazing.

Seasoning Notes: Italian Flair Unleashed!

Garlic and olive oil are the dynamic duo here. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Lemon brightens everything up. If you don’t have red pepper flakes, a tiny dash of cayenne will do. You can play around with the amount of garlic .

I like it garlicky!

Honestly, these green beans with lemon are just so refreshing.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

Large pot. For blanching green beans .
Colander. To drain those blanched green beans pronto!
Large skillet or saute pan. This is where the magic happens.
Tongs or slotted spoon. For wrangling those green beans.

Don’t have a fancy saute pan? A regular frying pan will work just fine. A slotted spoon? Use a regular spoon and a bit of finesse.

It all boils down to the flavour. And easy green bean recipe it is!

Sautéed Italian Green Beans: A Taste of Italy on Your Plate

Honestly, who doesn't love a good side dish recipe that's both easy and delicious? I'm talking about italian green beans , the kind that make you feel like you're sitting in a little trattoria in Tuscany.

Forget those sad, overcooked green beans you might remember from childhood. We're making garlic green beans with toasted almonds and a bright lemon zest.

Let's dive in!

Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place On!

First things first, let’s talk prep. This isn't some fancy, cheffy thing; it just means getting everything ready before you start cooking.

Trim 1 pound (454g) of fresh italian green beans . Mince 3 cloves garlic . Juice 2 tablespoons of lemon. Measure out 1/4 cup (30g) of slivered almonds.

Trust me, this makes life so much easier. Safety first: wash those beans thoroughly.

From Prep to Plate: The Cooking Process

Blanch the green beans : Boil salted water. Add beans for 3- 4 minutes . They should be bright green.
Shock Them : Transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water. This stops cooking.
Toast the Almonds : In a dry skillet, toast almonds over medium heat for 3- 5 minutes . Stir constantly.
Sauté the Garlic : Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for 30 seconds . Don't burn it!
Sauté the Beans : Add beans. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes . They should be tender.
Finish : Stir in almonds and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Italian Green Beans

Want to take your italian green beans to the next level? Toast those almonds properly. Burnt almonds are no good.

Also, don't overcook the beans. They should have a slight bite. If you’re prepping ahead, blanch the beans and toast the almonds.

Store separately and sauté just before serving. This easy green bean recipe is a winner every time. You can also add green beans with lemon to elevate more and make almond green beans.

These sauteed green beans are a classic italian side dishes option. I used to hate blanched green beans until I discovered this method.

Now, it's one of my go-to side dish recipes . Trust me; you'll love this easy green bean recipe !

Alright, let's talk about these Italian green beans ! Making them is one thing, but knowing how to really nail it? That's the secret sauce.

These little tips and tricks will take your green bean recipe from "meh" to "OMG!". Honestly, I've learned so much along the way, and now, I want to share it all with you.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions Plating and Presentation Ideas

Let’s make these garlic green beans look as good as they taste! I love piling them high on a platter.

A sprinkle of extra toasted almonds and a lemon wedge for an extra zing makes a big difference. For a true Italian side dishes vibe, serve alongside some grilled chicken or fish.

A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio? Perfetto ! You know? Sometimes I like to make a little bruschetta. It complements the green beans wonderfully.

Storage Tips Keep 'Em Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries! Pop those sauteed green beans in an airtight container. They'll be good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Freezing isn't really ideal. They'll get a bit mushy. When reheating, a quick saute in a pan with a little olive oil brings them back to life.

Microwaving works in a pinch, but the texture might suffer.

Variations Keep it Interesting

Want to shake things up? Try swapping the almonds for toasted pine nuts or walnuts. If you are avoiding dairy, skip the parmesan but if you are on a Keto diet you can try to add bacon bits.

For a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan. Need a dietary adaptation ? Use a touch of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy spin.

Seasonal swap? In the fall, add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.

Nutrition Basics Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's talk health. These green beans with lemon are packed with vitamins and fiber. Each serving is around 140 calories, making them a guilt free addition to any meal.

The almond green beans provide healthy fats, while the green beans themselves are low in carbs. Plus, all those lovely vitamins are great for your immune system! "Health is wealth," as they say.

So there you have it: Everything you need to make amazing Italian green beans. This easy green bean recipe is super simple.

You can nail it, even if you're a beginner. It may involve a blanched green beans process but It's all about having fun in the kitchen and creating something delicious.

Go on, give it a try! I promise you won't regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my italian green beans from being mushy?

The key to avoiding mushy green beans is the blanching process. Cook them in boiling, salted water for only 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender crisp. Immediately shock them in an ice bath (or rinse with very cold water) to stop the cooking process.

This ensures they retain some bite when you sauté them later nobody wants green bean porridge!

Can I make these Garlicky italian green beans with frozen green beans instead of fresh?

While fresh green beans are preferable for their superior texture and flavor, you can use frozen in a pinch. There's no need to thaw them. Simply add them to the skillet with the garlic and sauté, increasing the cooking time until they're heated through and tender.

Be mindful that they might release more water, so crank up the heat a touch towards the end to evaporate any excess moisture.

How long do leftover italian green beans last, and how should I store them?

Leftover Garlicky Italian Green Beans will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. When reheating, a quick sauté in a pan with a little olive oil is best to revive them and prevent them from becoming soggy.

You can also microwave them, but the texture won't be quite as good.

I'm allergic to nuts. Can I still make these italian green beans?

Absolutely! The toasted almonds add a lovely crunch, but they're easily omitted. You can either skip them altogether or substitute them with something else that adds a similar textural element.

Toasted sunflower seeds or even some crispy fried shallots would be delicious alternatives, while keeping the dish completely nut-free.

What if I don't have lemon? Can I use something else in these italian green beans?

While fresh lemon juice really brightens the flavors of these green beans, you can substitute it in a pinch. A splash of white wine vinegar offers a similar tang. Start with a smaller amount than the lemon juice called for and adjust to taste.

In a real bind, a tiny squeeze of lime juice could also work, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile just don't tell Nonna!