Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cold Garlic and Soy Green Beans salad that features tender-crisp green beans tossed in a flavorful dressing of garlic, natural soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar (natural), and brown sugar (natural). This healthy, quick-to-prepare dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, perfect for easy meals, wholesome snacking, or as a versatile side.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 chopped scallions
Dressing
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp brown sugar (natural)
Toppings
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans: Trim the ends of the green beans and blanch them in boiling water for about 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce (natural), sesame oil, rice vinegar (natural), and brown sugar (natural). Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth and flavorful dressing.
- Toss everything together: Drain the cooled green beans well and place them in a mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the green beans, add the chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Chill before serving: Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold for the best refreshing taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality green beans for the best texture and flavor base.
- Do not overcook the green beans; blanch just until tender-crisp to maintain their crunch.
- Adjust the soy sauce (natural) and rice vinegar (natural) gradually to balance the seasoning according to taste.
- Chilling the salad enhances the infusion of garlic and soy flavors into the green beans.
- Toast sesame seeds fresh to release their oils and maximize nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cold Garlic and Soy Green Beans, green bean salad, soy sauce salad, healthy side dish, quick salad recipe, vegetarian salad