This Cucumber Edamame Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Its delightful crunch and flavorful dressing make it a hit at picnics, potlucks, or as a side for dinner. Packed with nutritious ingredients like edamame and fresh vegetables, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Enjoy its unique blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Nutritious Ingredients: The combination of cucumbers and edamame provides a great source of vitamins, protein, and fiber.
- Versatile Flavor: The dressing can be adjusted to your taste, making it easy to customize the flavor profile to suit your preference.
- Light and Refreshing: This Cucumber Edamame Salad is light yet filling, making it an ideal choice for summertime meals.
- Plant-Based Goodness: It’s vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by choosing the right soy sauce.
Tools and Preparation
For this Cucumber Edamame Salad, having the right tools will make your preparation easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the dressing separately before adding it to the salad.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of cucumbers and herbs for uniform pieces.
- Whisk: Using a whisk makes blending the dressing ingredients quick and efficient.
Ingredients
This Cucumber Edamame Salad is fresh, flavorful and so delicious!
For the Salad
- 2 English cucumbers, small diced
- 1 (12 oz) package shelled edamame, thawed overnight
- 1 cup chopped green onion
- 1 handful chopped fresh cilantro
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup neutral flavored oil (I used expeller pressed safflower oil)
- 1/4 cup rice apple vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chili onion crunch or chili paste (if using chili paste you might want to use less)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cucumber Edamame Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by dicing up the cucumber. I like to dice mine into small, bite-sized pieces so that they are similar in size to the edamame. Add the diced cucumber to a large bowl. Next, add the edamame, green onion, and cilantro.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, add all dressing ingredients. Mix until combined. Give it a taste and adjust ingredient amounts as needed based on your preferences.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Mix everything until well combined. Top with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad!
How to Serve Cucumber Edamame Salad
Cucumber Edamame Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a light meal or a refreshing side, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- This salad shines on its own, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Its fresh flavors and crisp textures provide a satisfying meal without any additional sides.
As a Side to Grilled Proteins
- Pair the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a balanced meal. The lightness of the salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled dishes beautifully.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves to create refreshing wraps filled with Cucumber Edamame Salad. This offers a fun and healthy twist for an appetizer or snack.
With Rice or Quinoa Bowls
- Add the salad to bowls filled with rice or quinoa for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. This makes for a hearty yet healthy option.
Topped on Sandwiches or Wraps
- Layer the salad inside sandwiches or wraps for added crunch and taste. It serves as a delicious alternative to traditional spreads.
How to Perfect Cucumber Edamame Salad
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Cucumber Edamame Salad, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for firm, fresh cucumbers and vibrant edamame. Fresh produce enhances the overall taste.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your personal preferences.
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds or slivered almonds.
- Use Quality Oils: Opt for high-quality oils, such as cold-pressed safflower oil, which can significantly improve the dressing’s flavor.
- Experiment with Herbs: Try adding other herbs like mint or basil for different flavor profiles that complement the base ingredients.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Edamame Salad
Cucumber Edamame Salad pairs well with various side dishes, elevating any meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add smoky flavor that complements the freshness of the salad.
- Brown Rice Pilaf: A nutty brown rice pilaf offers heartiness while maintaining a healthy profile.
- Miso Soup: Warm miso soup provides a comforting contrast to this chilled salad, perfect for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
- Fresh Spring Rolls: Light and crunchy spring rolls stuffed with vegetables pair nicely with the refreshing notes of Cucumber Edamame Salad.
- Quinoa Tabouli: A zesty quinoa tabouli brings another layer of freshness, enhancing your dining experience.
- Baked Sweet Potato Wedges: Crispy sweet potato wedges add sweetness and texture that balance beautifully with the salad’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating a perfect Cucumber Edamame Salad can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using wrong cucumber types: Not all cucumbers are the same. English cucumbers are ideal for this salad because they are less bitter and have fewer seeds. Choose the right type to enhance your salad’s taste.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little and add more as needed. Taste before serving to ensure the flavors are balanced.
- Forgetting to season: A pinch of salt can elevate your Cucumber Edamame Salad. Always remember to taste and adjust seasoning after mixing in the dressing.
- Neglecting freshness of ingredients: Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Use fresh cilantro, crisp cucumbers, and quality edamame for the best flavor and texture.
- Skipping the resting time: Giving the salad some time to sit allows flavors to meld beautifully. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Keep the dressing separate if you anticipate leftovers.
Freezing Cucumber Edamame Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture.
- If you must freeze, consider only freezing the edamame separately.
Reheating Cucumber Edamame Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes without overcooking.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat while stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cucumber Edamame Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours ahead. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
What variations can I try with my Cucumber Edamame Salad?
You can customize your salad by adding additional veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Nuts or seeds can also add crunch.
Is Cucumber Edamame Salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
How do I adjust flavors in my Cucumber Edamame Salad?
Taste your salad after mixing in the dressing. If it’s too tangy, add a bit more maple syrup; if it needs more depth, consider adding extra sesame oil or tamari.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Edamame Salad is not only a delicious side dish but also a versatile option that fits well into various meals. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors make it perfect for summer barbecues or as a quick lunch option. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste!
Cucumber Edamame Salad
Cucumber Edamame Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that brings together crunchy cucumbers and protein-packed edamame, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side for any meal. With its delightful combination of textures and customizable flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, this salad is also vegetarian and can be made vegan by choosing the right soy sauce. Whether you serve it on its own or alongside grilled proteins, Cucumber Edamame Salad will become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
- Total Time: 2 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers (small diced)
- 1 (12 oz) package shelled edamame (thawed)
- 1 cup chopped green onion
- 1 handful chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 1/4 cup rice apple vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chili onion crunch or chili paste
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Dice the cucumbers into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the thawed edamame, chopped green onion, and cilantro to the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Choose fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Chill before serving to meld flavors. Customize with additional veggies or nuts for added texture.