This Cucumber Edamame Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances flavor and nutrition. It’s ideal for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light side at any dinner table. The crisp cucumbers paired with protein-packed edamame make this salad not only delicious but also satisfying. With its zesty dressing, this salad is sure to be a standout at your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meal prep.
- Nutritious and Healthy: Packed with protein from edamame and vitamins from cucumbers, it’s a guilt-free choice.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish or add grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Flavorful Dressing: The blend of tamari, sesame oil, and spices gives this salad an irresistible flavor profile.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors make this dish visually appealing on any table.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Cucumber Edamame Salad, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Small mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking the dressing ingredients together smoothly.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for even dicing of vegetables.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface to chop ingredients.
Ingredients
This Cucumber Edamame Salad is fresh, flavorful and so delicious!
- 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, 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
How to Make Cucumber Edamame Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by dicing up the cucumbers. 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, combine all dressing ingredients:
* Pour in the neutral oil, rice apple vinegar, tamari, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, chili onion crunch or paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
* Mix until combined. Taste and adjust ingredient amounts as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and mix until everything is well combined. Top with toasted sesame seeds if desired and enjoy!
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Side
Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Enjoy your delightful Cucumber Edamame Salad!
How to Serve Cucumber Edamame Salad
Cucumber Edamame Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Its fresh flavors make it perfect for summer gatherings or as a light side. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As a Light Lunch
- Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for a protein-packed lunch that’s still refreshing.
- Serve it alongside whole grain wraps filled with veggies for a wholesome meal.
At Barbecues
- Offer this salad as a cooling side dish beside grilled meats or veggie skewers.
- It complements spicy dishes beautifully, balancing the heat with its crispness.
As an Appetizer
- Serve it in small cups or shot glasses for a fun, bite-sized starter at parties.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve chilled for an elegant touch.
On a Bed of Greens
- Place the salad on a bed of mixed greens to create a vibrant salad bowl.
- Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
How to Perfect Cucumber Edamame Salad
To ensure your Cucumber Edamame Salad reaches its full potential, consider these handy tips.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest cucumbers and herbs available for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad; adjust salt or acidity as needed.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes enhances flavors and improves texture.
- Add Crunch: Incorporate ingredients like toasted almonds or crispy shallots for added texture and flavor variety.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Edamame Salad
Looking to complement your Cucumber Edamame Salad? Here are some excellent side dishes that pair well:
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add smoky depth to your meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light and nutty side that brings extra protein and fiber to your plate.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the salad’s freshness; season simply with salt and pepper.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-rich option that adds creaminess when dressed with lemon and olive oil.
- Vegetable Sushi Rolls: Light sushi rolls filled with avocado, cucumber, and carrots make for an exciting pairing.
- Rice Noodle Stir-Fry: These noodles tossed with vegetables provide a hearty yet light accompaniment.
- Hummus Platter: A colorful assortment of raw veggies served with hummus makes for a healthy snack alongside the salad.
- Grilled Tofu Skewers: Marinated tofu skewers lend additional protein while absorbing flavorful marinades.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating a delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Not dicing uniformly: When you cut the cucumber and other ingredients into different sizes, it makes for an uneven texture. Aim for small, uniform pieces for a better bite.
- Using insufficient seasoning: Skipping or skimping on the dressing can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with your seasonings and taste as you go to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can drown the fresh ingredients. Start with a little and adjust as needed to keep the salad light and refreshing.
- Skipping chilling time: Serving the salad immediately can miss out on allowing flavors to meld. Letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes enhances its taste.
- Neglecting freshness of ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables can ruin your salad’s appeal. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cucumber Edamame Salad
- This salad is not recommended for freezing as the texture of cucumbers may become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating Cucumber Edamame Salad
- Oven: Not recommended as this dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
- Microwave: Should only be used if absolutely necessary; heat in short bursts to avoid cooking it.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; this salad does not require reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cucumber Edamame Salad?
A Cucumber Edamame Salad is a refreshing mix of diced cucumbers, shelled edamame, and fresh herbs tossed in a flavorful dressing.
Can I add more vegetables to my Cucumber Edamame Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, carrots, or any favorite crunchy veggies to customize your salad.
How do I make my Cucumber Edamame Salad spicy?
To add some heat, increase the amount of chili onion crunch or chili paste in your dressing according to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This salad stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Edamame Salad is not only vibrant but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or dressings based on your preferences. Its refreshing taste makes it an ideal side dish for any gathering. Give this recipe a try today!
Cucumber Edamame Salad
- Total Time: 3 minute
- Yield: Serves 6–8 1x
Description
Discover the refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Edamame Salad, a perfect dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light side at any dinner table. This salad combines crisp cucumbers with protein-rich edamame, creating a satisfying and nutritious option that stands out with its zesty dressing. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for last-minute meals or gatherings. Serve it as a side or enhance it with grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal. The colorful presentation and irresistible flavor profile make this salad a delightful addition to any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers, diced
- 12 oz shelled edamame, thawed
- 1 cup chopped green onion
- Handful of chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup neutral flavored oil (like safflower oil)
- ¼ 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
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by dicing the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and combining them in a large bowl with edamame, green onion, and cilantro.
- To make the dressing, whisk together the oil, vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, maple syrup, chili onion crunch or paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and mix until everything is evenly coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Category: Side
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added crunch and nutrition, consider including nuts like almonds or seeds. Customize your salad by adding other crunchy vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots. Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes enhances its flavors.
