November is here and it’s time to start thinking about healthy Thanksgiving side dishes! One of the best things, other than gathering with family and friends, is the sheer smorgasbord of side dishes that go along with the meal. On a normal day, I’m lucky to get two plant-based accompaniments with our main protein, but during the holidays it’s more like a dozen delicious things to go alongside our turkey or roast.

This recipe for Lemon-Ginger Green Beans with Almonds is a snap to make and so much fresher and fitter than the creamy green bean casserole of yore.  Read on to get the 10-minute recipe and a few other ideas for vegetable side dishes.

I use fresh green beans in this recipe, as they are still popping up in the Texas markets . . .but you can also use frozen if necessary. 

Also, the beans get a bright bight with the taste of lemon – regular lemons are just fine or you can make my “recipe” for salted preserved lemons ahead of time. The beauty of this preserved citrus is that you ALWAYS have lemon for savory dishes on hand. Before I started doing this, I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t have a lemon in the fridge when I needed one. Or, had lemons that went bad before using up – argh!

So, how ‘bout two more of my favorite ideas for side dishes? They are tried and true, the no-fail winners of dinner

First up, what’s more delicious than oven-roasted broccoli that is crispy and caramelized on the tips? Well, Bacon Asagio Roasted Broccoli because . . .uh, bacon and cheese!  Even broccoli avoiders love this veggie side dish! 

Second, to say that my Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Mash from Thanksgiving 2014 has been well-received is an understatement . . . I get pings that it’s showed up here, there and everywhere, and is well on the way to 100k pins. You might want to head over to the original recipe post, pin it and put it on the menu 😉

So, what are your go-to vegetable side dishes? Do you roast a turkey, or are you a non-traditionalist?! Have you signed up for a Turkey Trot yet? Please share in the comments, XOXO — Jennifer 

Print

Lemon Ginger Green Beans with Almonds

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

Bring the green to your holiday table with this fit and fresh side dish of green beans brightened with lemon, ginger and almonds for crunch!

Course: Side Dish, Vegetable

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (or 1/4 preserved lemon, diced -- see my recipe)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• salt to taste
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium or medium-low heat. Add ginger and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
2. Add green beans and cook until starting to just brown in places, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.
3. Add lemon juice and zest (or preserved lemon); cover and steam until string beans are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in butter until melted and coating beans.
4. Season to taste with salt and sprinkle with slivered almonds.