Grill the beans outdoors in a grill basket or on a grill pan on the stove. Either way, the high heat yields the same juicy, crisp-tender beans with a delicious smoky char. Paired with a spicy peanut sauce, this easy side dish will steal the show. Add grilled steak or chicken and brown rice for a full meal.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Grilled Green Bean Salad With Szechuan Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp chili oil or Sriracha
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp Szechuan (or white) peppercorns, toasted in a dry pan and finely ground, optional
• 1 lb (453g) green beans, trimmed
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp peanuts, finely chopped

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, vinegar, chili oil or Sriracha, soy sauce, sugar, and pepper (if using). Set aside.

Preheat a gas grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (400–425°F). Toss beans with sesame oil in a large bowl and place on a mesh grill screen on the grill or in the pan. Cook, tossing with tongs occasionally, until beans are tender and charred all over, 6–8 minutes.

Arrange beans on a serving platter, drizzle with dressing, and top with green onions and peanuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Note: If the dressing needs to be thinned, whisk in 1 – 2 tsp water until desired consistency is reached.

Serves: 4 | Serving size: 3/4 cup beans, 1 1/2 tbsp sauce

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 158; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 270mg; Carbohydrate: 14g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 5g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 360mg ; Iron: 9% ; Vitamin C: 26%

Originally published September 17, 2019; Updated March 2026