Easy Smoky Green Bean Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

Spicy bean salad

Grill the green beans in a basket or on a grill pan. The high heat makes them crunchy on the outside and soft inside, and adds a nice smoky flavor.

Active time: 15 minutes  Total time: 25 minutes

Grilled Green Bean Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons plain rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil or Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon low‑sodium soy sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon toasted Szechuan pepper (optional)
  • 1 pound green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons peanuts, finely chopped

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk peanut butter, vinegar, chili oil, soy sauce, sugar, and pepper (if using) until smooth. Set the sauce aside.
  2. Heat a gas grill or grill pan to medium‑high (about 400‑425°F). Toss the beans with sesame oil, then spread them on a mesh grill screen or directly in the pan.
  3. Cook, turning with tongs, for 6‑8 minutes until the beans are tender and have dark spots.
  4. Place the beans on a serving plate, pour the peanut sauce over them, and sprinkle with green onions and chopped peanuts.
  5. Serve warm or at room temperature. If the sauce is too thick, stir in 1‑2 teaspoons water until it reaches the right consistency.

Serves: 4  |  Portion: about ¾ cup beans with 1½ tablespoons sauce

Nutrition per serving (approx.): 158 calories, 10 g total fat, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein, 14 g carbs, 270 mg sodium.

Extra nutrients: 360 mg potassium, 9 % iron, 26 % vitamin C.