Green Bean Salad with Fennel and Toasted Pecan Dukkah

A fresh and crunchy salad featuring crisp green beans and fennel, topped with a Middle Eastern-inspired dukkah made from toasted pecans, sesame seeds, and aromatic spices. This vibrant dish combines different textures and flavors for a unique and satisfying side dish.

8 servings
44 min

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup pecans
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt and black pepper
  • pounds green beans
  • 1 medium fennel bulb
  • 1 whole lemon zest
  • cup extra-virgin olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 325ºF. Spread pecans on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast, tossing once, until fragrant and lightly golden, 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until sesame seeds are golden and spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and let cool completely.

    7 min

  3. 3.

    Coarsely chop 1/4 cup pecans; set aside. Pulse sesame seed mixture, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and 1/2 cup pecans in a food processor until coarse, dry, and crumbly; do not let it become a paste.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Cook green beans in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, 5-7 minutes. Drain, then transfer immediately to a large bowl filled with ice water. Drain again and pat dry.

    7 min

  5. 5.

    Meanwhile, coarsely chop fennel fronds; set aside. Cut fennel bulb in half lengthwise, then thinly slice each half lengthwise.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Whisk lemon zest, oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a large bowl. Add green beans, fennel bulb, and half of the dukkah and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer salad to a serving platter, then top with fennel fronds, remaining dukkah, and remaining 1/4 cup pecans.

    10 min

  7. 7.

    Dukkah can be made up to 3 days ahead; store in an airtight container at room temperature.