Edamame Cucumber Sesame Salad (Printable)

Chilled edamame and cucumber combined with a savory sesame dressing for a light, refreshing salad.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)
02 - 1 large cucumber, diced
03 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced (optional)

→ Dressing

05 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
06 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
10 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
11 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Garnish

12 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the edamame and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to chill.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the chilled edamame, diced cucumber, green onions, and red bell pepper if using.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and toasted sesame seeds until well emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
05 - Sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
06 - Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under twenty minutes and actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a bit
  • The sesame ginger dressing makes everything taste restaurant special even though it is just whisked together in a tiny bowl
02 -
  • Do not skip rinsing the edamame under cold water because they keep cooking and get mushy
  • The dressing might taste too sharp at first but it mellows perfectly once it coats the vegetables
03 -
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this gluten free without losing any depth of flavor
  • Double the dressing recipe and keep the extra in a jar for quick weeknight salads
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