Description
These Thanksgiving Green Beans are the perfect side dish—bright, buttery, and full of savory crunch. Blanched until tender-crisp, then tossed in golden garlic butter and topped with toasted nuts and lemon zest, they bring balance and freshness to your holiday feast.
Ingredients
1 pound green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons toasted almonds or pine nuts
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add salt and green beans. Cook 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
2. Drain and transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
3. In a dry skillet, toast nuts over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
5. Add green beans to the garlic butter. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, then add lemon zest.
6. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle toasted nuts on top. Serve warm.
Notes
Blanching and shocking the beans in ice water preserves their vibrant color and texture.
Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and brings a delightful crunch.
Add lemon zest just before serving for maximum brightness and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving green beans, holiday side dish, green bean recipe