Description
Cold Garlic and Soy Green Beans is a fresh and vibrant side dish combining crisp green beans with a savory garlic and soy sauce dressing. Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes, this plant-based recipe offers a refreshing, flavorful, and satisfying addition to any meal, served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- Fresh green beans – 1 pound, trimmed and washed
Garlic Soy Dressing
- Garlic (natural) – 3 cloves, minced
- Soy sauce (natural) – 3 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar (natural) – 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil (natural) – 1 teaspoon
- Natural sweetener (like maple syrup or agave) – 1 teaspoon
Garnish
- Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Start by trimming and washing fresh green beans thoroughly. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to lock in the vibrant color and crunch.
- Make the Garlic Soy Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic (natural), soy sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), sesame oil (natural), and your chosen natural sweetener until well combined to create the dressing.
- Toss and Chill: Drain the green beans well, then toss them into the garlic soy dressing. Mix until each bean is perfectly coated. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the green beans for added crunch and nutty flavor. Serve cold or at room temperature and enjoy.
Notes
- Blanch green beans with an ice bath to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- Use freshly minced garlic for a brighter, more robust flavor.
- Adjust sweetener and vinegar amounts to balance taste to your preference.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Lightly toast sesame seeds to enhance their flavor before garnishing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Blanching
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: green beans, garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds, plant-based side dish, quick recipe, gluten free