Healthy Thanksgiving Side: Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

 

Thanksgiving is a time for delicious, comforting food, but sometimes all those heavy dishes can leave us feeling stuffed and sluggish. That’s where this Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds recipe comes in—a light, nutritious side that still feels festive and flavorful. Made with fresh green beans, slivered almonds, and a touch of olive oil, this dish offers a healthy twist on traditional Thanksgiving sides.

 

Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, these sautéed green beans bring a crisp, fresh balance to the richness of the holiday spread without the heaviness of cream sauces or butter. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to enjoy the flavors of the season without overindulging. Plus, it’s simple to make and comes together in just minutes, leaving you more time to focus on the main event and enjoy time with family and friends.

 

 

Serving Size and Preparation Time

• Serving Size: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a side dish, making it perfect for a family or small gathering.
• Preparation Time: The total prep time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes for cooking. This makes it an easy and quick addition to your Thanksgiving spread without taking up too much time.

Macros and Nutritional Information

Per Serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g (healthy fats from olive oil and almonds)
• Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 4g

This dish offers a balanced nutritional profile, with a good mix of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. The green beans provide a high-fiber, low-calorie base, while the olive oil and almonds contribute heart-healthy fats, supporting overall wellness. The moderate carb content comes primarily from the green beans, making this a satisfying yet light side dish ideal for a health-conscious Thanksgiving meal.

 

 

Ingredients List

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional add-ins:

• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced (for a savory touch)
• Zest of 1/2 lemon (for brightness)
• Red pepper flakes, a pinch (for a bit of heat)

Each ingredient is chosen to keep this dish wholesome and nutritious, with healthy fats from the olive oil and a satisfying crunch from the almonds. Enjoy the freshness and flavor without any heavy sauces!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Green Beans: Start by trimming the ends off the green beans. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a generous pinch of salt. While the water heats up, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: Once the water is boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Quickly transfer the beans to the ice bath to stop the cooking and preserve their color and texture. After about a minute, drain the beans and pat them dry.
3. Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the slivered almonds. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn. Once toasted, transfer the almonds to a small bowl and set aside.
4. Sauté the Green Beans: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and coated in oil. For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage, cooking for another 30 seconds.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and toss in the toasted almonds. If you’d like, sprinkle a little lemon zest over the top for brightness. Serve warm, and enjoy the fresh, crunchy, and deliciously simple side!

Tips: Blanching ensures the beans keep their vibrant color and stay crisp-tender. Sautéing them quickly on medium heat maintains this perfect texture, adding just the right touch of warmth and flavor.

 

 

Serving Suggestions

 

For a beautiful presentation, serve the Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds on a wide, shallow platter. Just before serving, garnish with a light sprinkle of lemon zest or a few extra toasted almonds for added crunch and color. This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving mains like roasted turkey or herb-crusted ham, balancing richer flavors with its fresh, nutty taste. It also complements other sides such as sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and roasted Brussels sprouts, adding a lighter, vibrant touch to the holiday feast.

 

Why It’s a Healthy Choice

 

This Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds dish is packed with nutrients that make it a smart choice for Thanksgiving—and it tastes delicious, too! Green beans are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied longer. They’re also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and antioxidants that support immune health, skin, and bone strength.

 

Instead of heavy creams or buttery sauces, this recipe uses just a tablespoon of heart-healthy olive oil. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce inflammation and support heart health. Adding slivered almonds provides an extra dose of healthy fats, along with vitamin E, magnesium, and protein—nutrients that help keep you energized and balanced through the day.

 

This lighter approach makes the dish a perfect side for Thanksgiving. It offers a fresh, crisp contrast to other richer, more indulgent dishes, and lets you enjoy a nutritious option that doesn’t weigh you down. By keeping things simple and health-conscious, this dish allows you to celebrate the holiday flavors you love without compromising on wellness.

 

This Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds is a simple, nutritious, and flavorful way to lighten up your Thanksgiving spread. With the health benefits of fiber-rich green beans and heart-healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, it’s a perfect alternative to heavier, cream-based dishes. Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier, more vibrant Thanksgiving table!