This Cucumber Edamame Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the crispness of cucumbers and the heartiness of edamame. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light side dish, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Its zesty dressing enhances the flavors while keeping everything light and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a casual gathering or enjoying it as a healthy snack, this salad is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of cucumbers and edamame creates a refreshing taste that brightens any meal.
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or make it a main by adding proteins like grilled chicken or tofu.
- Healthy Choice: This salad is low in calories but high in fiber and protein, making it a great option for health-conscious eaters.
- Flavorful Dressing: The unique blend of sesame oil, tamari, and chili adds depth and excitement to every bite.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Cucumber Edamame Salad efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients without making a mess.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing your dressing separately before adding it to the salad.
- Chefs knife: A good quality knife will make chopping vegetables quick and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the flavors are just right.
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
Begin by dicing up the cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for sizes that match the edamame for better texture. Add the diced cucumber to a large mixing bowl along with the edamame, chopped green onion, and cilantro.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine all dressing ingredients—neutral oil, rice apple vinegar, tamari (or soy sauce), toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, chili onion crunch (or chili paste), minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Mix until well combined. Taste your dressing and adjust ingredients as needed.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the prepared dressing over your salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently mix everything together until well coated with dressing. If desired, top with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor before serving.
Enjoy your vibrant Cucumber Edamame Salad!
How to Serve Cucumber Edamame Salad
Cucumber Edamame Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
As a Refreshing Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Serve it alongside Asian-inspired dishes to complement the flavors.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the salad into large lettuce leaves for a crunchy, fun twist.
- Add some sliced avocado on top for creamy richness.
On a Bed of Greens
- Place the salad over mixed greens for an added nutrient boost.
- Drizzle with extra dressing to make it even more flavorful.
As Part of a Picnic Spread
- Pack it in portable containers for an easy picnic option.
- It pairs well with sandwiches and wraps, making it perfect for outdoor dining.
How to Perfect Cucumber Edamame Salad
To achieve the best results with your Cucumber Edamame Salad, keep these tips in mind.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and herbs significantly enhance the flavor.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients based on your preference for acidity or spice.
- Add crunch: Consider incorporating toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Edamame Salad
Cucumber Edamame Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers grilled to perfection add smoky flavor.
- Brown Rice: A simple brown rice dish complements the salad’s freshness while adding heartiness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs is both nutritious and filling, making it an excellent pairing.
- Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed in a light sesame dressing bring unique textures and flavors that work well together.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the salad’s crispness.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup balances the coolness of your Cucumber Edamame Salad perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Cucumber Edamame Salad, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure your salad turns out perfect every time.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and adjust based on taste.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using wilted cucumbers or old edamame affects flavor and texture. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best results.
- Neglecting to chop consistently: If the cucumber and edamame pieces are uneven, it affects the overall presentation and eating experience. Aim for uniform sizes for a better mix.
- Skipping the taste test: Not tasting your dressing before adding it can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Always sample before pouring over your salad.
- Forgetting about garnishes: Skipping toppings like toasted sesame seeds can enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t miss out on these finishing touches!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Cucumber Edamame Salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing Cucumber Edamame Salad
- Freezing this salad is not recommended as cucumbers can become watery when thawed.
- If you must freeze, store only the edamame and dressing separately.
Reheating Cucumber Edamame Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as it may lose its crunch.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds on medium power until warmed through. Stir in between to avoid uneven heating.
- Stovetop: Gently heat in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cucumber Edamame Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and add the dressing right before serving for optimal freshness.
What other ingredients can I add to Cucumber Edamame Salad?
Feel free to customize with ingredients like bell peppers, avocado, or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Is Cucumber Edamame Salad gluten-free?
If you use tamari instead of soy sauce, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I serve Cucumber Edamame Salad?
This salad works great as a side dish or light lunch. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat on warm days.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Edamame Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a healthy snack. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll love its fresh flavors!
Cucumber Edamame Salad
Indulge in the crisp, refreshing flavors of Cucumber Edamame Salad, a perfect harmony of garden-fresh cucumbers and protein-packed edamame. Ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light side dish, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. Tossed in a zesty dressing combining sesame oil, tamari, and chili, every bite bursts with flavor while remaining light and satisfying. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed solo as a healthy snack, this vibrant salad will surely impress your taste buds.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers (small diced)
- 1 (12 oz) package shelled edamame (thawed overnight)
- 1 cup chopped green onion
- 1 handful chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup neutral flavored 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)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Dice the cucumbers into small pieces that match the size of the edamame. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, edamame, green onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added texture and nutrition, consider incorporating nuts or seeds. Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor. Allowing the salad to chill enhances its refreshing qualities.
