Lemon-Sesame Green Beans

Name: Lemon-Sesame Green Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Cuisine: Greek Recipes, Greek Side Dishes
Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted; 3 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/8 teaspoon pepper

There’s a kabob shop in Charlottesville, Virginia, called Sticks and it has wonderful sides, including sesame beans. I love them so much that I had to make my own version. You can use fresh or frozen green beans; haricots verts (French green beans) work well, too. This salad only gets better as it sits, so it’s great (and convenient!) to make a day or two in advance. —Dyan Carlson, Kents Store, Virginia

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
3 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add green beans; cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes or just until crisp-tender. Remove green beans; drain well.
Whisk the remaining ingredients until blended. Pour over green beans; toss to coat. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

2/3 cup: 124 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.

Originally published as Lemon-Sesame Green Bean Salad in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2018