Lemon-Sesame Green Beans

Name: Lemon-Sesame Green Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings.
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 with 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, and 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