This protein-rich Edamame Mango Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or light lunches. Packed with flavors from fresh ingredients, this salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also boosts your nutrition. Ideal for those warm days when cooking feels too much, it’s quick to prepare and offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is ready in no time.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the edamame and fiber from beans, it’s both filling and healthy.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main course, it suits various occasions—from casual lunches to festive dinners.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of mango and the crunch of cucumber create a delicious contrast.
- No Cooking Required: Enjoy a fresh meal without turning on the oven—ideal for hot summer days.
Tools and Preparation
For this Edamame Mango Salad, you need some basic kitchen tools that help make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without making a mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of vegetables and fruits, enhancing presentation.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertop while providing a safe surface for chopping.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are key for balancing flavors in your dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 500 g about 2 cups edamame, cooked, drained
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 3 small mangos, peeled and diced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 19-oz can black beans, drained, well-rinsed (2 cups)
- 350 mL can corn, drained, well-rinsed
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
For the Dressing
- 3 cloves of garlic, grated or crushed
- 1 tbsp red apple vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
For Serving
- 1 avocado, diced
How to Make Edamame Mango Salad
Step 1: Cook the Edamame
Cook the edamame according to package instructions. Once done, rinse them under cold water until cooled.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add all the chopped ingredients:
* The cooked edamame
* Diced cucumber
* Diced mangos
* Diced red onion
* Rinsed black beans
* Rinsed corn
* Chopped basil
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together:
1. Olive oil
2. Red apple vinegar
3. Sea salt
4. Black pepper
5. Lemon or lime juice
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently until well combined.
Step 5: Serve With Avocado
Serve right away topped with diced avocado for an extra creamy texture. Enjoy your refreshing Edamame Mango Salad!
How to Serve Edamame Mango Salad
Edamame Mango Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a refreshing snack, this salad adds a burst of flavor and nutrition to your table.
As a Standalone Lunch
- Enjoy it chilled for a quick and healthy meal.
- Pair with whole-grain crackers for extra crunch.
As a Dinner Side
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a complete meal.
- Ideal with quinoa or brown rice to enhance the protein content.
For Meal Prep
- Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
- Keeps well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
At Picnics or BBQs
- Bring it along to summer gatherings for a refreshing side.
- Great paired with other salads or grilled vegetables.
Topped with Protein
- Add diced grilled chicken or turkey on top for added protein.
- Incorporate chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based twist.
How to Perfect Edamame Mango Salad
Creating the perfect Edamame Mango Salad is easy with these simple tips. Follow these guidelines to elevate your salad experience.
- Use ripe mangos: Select mangos that are slightly soft to the touch for optimal sweetness and juiciness.
- Chill before serving: Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Experiment with herbs: Add fresh mint or cilantro for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Don’t hesitate to tweak salt and lemon juice according to your taste preferences.
- Add crunch: Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Keep it colorful: Mix in bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for vibrant color and additional nutrients.
Best Side Dishes for Edamame Mango Salad
Pairing Edamame Mango Salad with complementary sides can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful suggestions:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy skewers seasoned with herbs complement the fresh flavors of the salad perfectly.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa blend offers additional protein and pairs well with the tangy salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide depth and earthy flavors.
- Hummus and Veggie Platter: A colorful array of fresh veggies and creamy hummus makes a great dip alongside the salad.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with grains and beans, these peppers add a hearty component to your meal.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the salad’s textures.
- Couscous Salad: Lightly seasoned couscous mixed with herbs complements the freshness of the Edamame Mango Salad beautifully.
- Savory Scones: Herb-infused scones provide a unique twist as an accompaniment, making your meal more inviting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Edamame Mango Salad even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Not cooking edamame properly: Ensure you follow the package instructions for cooking edamame. Undercooking can lead to a tough texture, while overcooking may make them mushy.
Skipping the rinsing process: Always rinse canned ingredients like black beans and corn under cold water. This step removes excess sodium and enhances flavor.
Using unripe mangoes: Choose ripe, sweet mangos for the best taste. A ripe mango should yield slightly to pressure when squeezed.
Forgetting about seasoning: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Proper seasoning brings out the flavors of all ingredients, making your salad more delicious.
Not adding acidity: The balance of flavors is crucial. Use fresh lemon or lime juice to add brightness and enhance the overall taste of your salad.
Serving immediately after preparation: While this salad can be served right away, allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Edamame Mango Salad in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep diced avocado separate if possible to prevent browning.
Freezing Edamame Mango Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of fresh ingredients.
- If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.
Reheating Edamame Mango Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for about 1 minute, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until just heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making Edamame Mango Salad:
What can I substitute for mangos in Edamame Mango Salad?
You can try using peaches or pineapples instead. Both fruits add sweetness and complement the salad well.
Can I make Edamame Mango Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep ingredients like avocado separate until serving time.
Is Edamame Mango Salad vegan?
Absolutely! This salad is fully plant-based and free from animal products, making it perfect for vegan diets.
How can I customize my Edamame Mango Salad?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or swap in different herbs like cilantro for a unique flavor twist!
Can I use frozen edamame instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen edamame is a great alternative. Just cook according to package instructions before adding it to your salad.
Final Thoughts
The Edamame Mango Salad is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients according to your taste preferences or seasonal availability. Whether as a side dish or light main course, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends—give it a try today!
Edamame Mango Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing Edamame Mango Salad. Bursting with protein-rich edamame, sweet mangoes, and crunchy cucumbers, this salad is a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will awaken your taste buds. Perfect for warm days when you want something light yet satisfying, it’s quick to prepare and requires no cooking, making it an ideal choice for picnics, gatherings, or a quick lunch at home. Tossed in a zesty dressing featuring fresh lemon juice and red apple vinegar, this nutritious dish is as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. Enjoy it on its own or as a side to your favorite proteins—this salad is truly versatile!
- Total Time: 9 minute
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 500g edamame, cooked and drained
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 3 small ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 can (19 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (350 mL) corn, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, grated or crushed
- 1 tbsp red apple vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1 avocado, for serving
Instructions
- Cook edamame according to package instructions; rinse under cold water until cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked edamame, diced cucumber, mangoes, red onion, black beans, corn, and chopped basil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon/lime juice.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture; toss gently until combined.
- Serve topped with diced avocado for added creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use ripe mangoes for optimal sweetness. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor. Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
