String Beans With Sesame Dressing
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring crisp zucchini and string beans coated in a sesame dressing, perfect for light meals and vegetable lovers seeking fresh, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put grated zucchini in a strainer over a bowl; sprinkle with salt.
- Leave for 1 hour or longer to allow moisture to drain off. Squeeze excess moisture out before cooking; pat with paper towels so zucchini is as dry as possible.
- Heat oil in a heavy pan; cook zucchini with sugar over moderate heat, stirring until tender, but not too soft.
- This will only take a minute or two.
- Add lemon juice; raise heat a little.
- Sprinkle with chopped herbs; toss well.
- Spoon into a serving dish.
- Add black pepper; sprinkle with extra parsley and herbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, you can substitute the string beans with other vegetables like snap peas or asparagus. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more sugar or a splash of honey. Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor, so consider doing that before adding them to the dish. If you're looking for more vegetable ideas, check out Combination Vegetable Dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a side to grilled meats or alongside a light salad like Salade A La Francaise. It also pairs beautifully with Rigatoni Salad for a more substantial meal. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for color and flavor, and consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the zucchini. You can also enjoy the dish cold as a refreshing salad, making it versatile for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of String Beans With Sesame Dressing contains roughly 2111 calories, with 7g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 228g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2161mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it doesn't include any animal products. Ensure that the soy sauce used is gluten-free if needed, and enjoy this dish as part of your favorite vegan recipes.
How can I adjust the flavor of the sesame dressing?
To customize the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of rice vinegar for acidity or increase the sesame seeds for a nuttier taste. Experimenting with different oils, such as sesame oil, can also enhance the dish’s profile.
What can I serve with String Beans With Sesame Dressing?
This dish complements a variety of mains. Try it alongside grilled chicken or tofu for protein. It also pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa to create a balanced meal. For a festive touch, serve it with Wassail for a flavorful beverage.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).