This sesame, green bean, and celery salad is the perfect dish to balance the richness of your Thanksgiving feast. Known for its vibrant taste, the salad combines crisp apple and refreshing celery, topped with a lively dressing, flavored with fresh ginger. The dressing, made from a blend of Dijon, honey or maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar, enhances the salad’s overall flavor profile, harmonizing beautifully with the green bean and apple mixture. Toasted sesame seeds contribute a toasty touch, while celery leaves add freshness, eliminating the need for additional herbs. It’s advised to season the cooking water generously with salt for the beans. This allows the beans to absorb the flavor without becoming overly salty.
Here’s how to prepare it: Cook 1 1/2 pounds of haricots verts (French green beans) in a large pot of salted boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse them with cold water. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup, with 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger and 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Gradually whisk in 1/3 cup of olive oil to combine.
Dry the beans well and toss them in the dressing with 3 cups of diagonally sliced celery and one large, cored, and sliced apple. Add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and toss everything to combine. Place the salad on a serving platter and garnish with celery leaves.
This side dish is a refreshing complement to Thanksgiving’s traditional dishes, offering a nutritious balance to the meal.
Discover the Delight of Green Bean and Celery Salad for the Holidays
