Looking for a bright, nutty side that brings a bit of zest to the holiday table? These Almond-Green Beans with Lemon Butter are here to add a lively twist to your feast! With tender green beans tossed in a rich, golden-brown lemon butter and topped with toasted almonds, this dish is the perfect palate cleanser amid all the festive indulgences. It’s a vibrant burst of flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with the rich mains and sides, giving your Christmas meal a fresh and sophisticated touch.

Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the almonds, a burst of lemony brightness, and a savory butter coating that makes these green beans irresistible. Ready to add some green to your table that’s anything but boring? Serve up this easy, elegant dish and watch it disappear in no time!

Preparation:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt.

2. Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender.

3. Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant green color.

4. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook until the butter turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Add the lemon zest to the browned butter and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

7. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce and toss gently to coat them evenly.

8. Stir in the toasted almonds and drizzle with lemon juice, starting with half and adding more to taste.

9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.

10. Transfer the green beans with almonds and lemon zest to a serving dish.

11. Enjoy!