Cucumber Edamame Salad

Name: Cucumber Edamame Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486590H48M24S
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
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 tablespoon chili onion crunch or chili paste; 1 clove garlic, minced

Published: July 1, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies and plant-based protein from edamame, it’s a healthy choice.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a standalone vegetarian option.
Flavorful Dressing: The tangy dressing elevates the freshness of the vegetables and adds an exciting kick.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or substitute ingredients based on personal preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience more enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you begin. Having the right equipment can streamline your preparation and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for dressing
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all your salad ingredients without spilling.
Small bowl for dressing: Keeps your dressing separate until you’re ready to mix, ensuring freshness.
Knife: A sharp knife makes dicing cucumbers and mincing garlic quick and easy.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping your ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

This Cucumber Edamame Salad is fresh, flavorful and so delicious!

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, 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: Dice the Cucumbers

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: Prepare the Dressing

In a small 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 and adjust ingredient amounts as needed.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until well combined. If desired, top with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy this refreshing Cucumber Edamame Salad!

How to Serve Cucumber Edamame Salad

Cucumber Edamame Salad is a versatile dish that can complement a variety of meals or stand alone as a refreshing snack. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Dish

This salad makes for a light lunch or dinner option, especially during warm weather.

With Grilled Chicken

Pairing the salad with grilled chicken adds protein and creates a balanced meal. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

Alongside Asian-Inspired Dishes

Serve this salad with dishes like teriyaki chicken or vegetable stir-fry for a cohesive theme.

As a Picnic Option

Its portability and freshness make it an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings or picnics.

On a Buffet Table

Include Cucumber Edamame Salad as part of a buffet spread; it adds color and freshness among heavier dishes.

Topped with Avocado

For added creaminess, top the salad with sliced avocado just before serving. It enhances the texture while providing healthy fats.

How to Perfect Cucumber Edamame Salad

To achieve the ideal Cucumber Edamame Salad, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and presentation.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe cucumbers and fresh herbs for maximum flavor. Fresh produce elevates the overall taste of your salad.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and tweak the dressing to your preference. If you prefer more tang, add extra rice vinegar; for sweetness, increase the maple syrup.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Add Crunchy Toppings: Consider adding toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts for an extra crunch and texture contrast in each bite.
Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. This not only adds color but also boosts nutritional value.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them within 2-3 days for best freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Edamame Salad

Cucumber Edamame Salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Quinoa Pilaf
A light quinoa pilaf flavored with herbs is nutritious and pairs wonderfully with the crispness of the salad.
Grilled Vegetables
Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide hearty textures alongside the refreshing salad.
Brown Rice Sushi Rolls
These rolls can be filled with your favorite vegetables and serve as a delightful accompaniment to your meal.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls filled with colorful veggies make an appealing side that echoes the Asian-inspired theme.
Spicy Chickpea Hummus
Serve this creamy dip with pita chips or vegetable sticks for added protein and flavor contrast.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries offer a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness that balances well with the salad’s flavors.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Flavorful roasted cauliflower can be seasoned simply or spiced up, making it an exciting side dish choice.
Herbed Couscous
Fluffy couscous mixed with fresh herbs is quick to prepare and complements the vibrant ingredients of Cucumber Edamame Salad perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Cucumber Edamame Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch for:

Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Neglecting ingredient size: If the cucumber pieces are too large, they won’t mix well with the edamame. Aim for uniformity in size for a better texture.
Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor that dried herbs can’t replicate. Always opt for fresh when possible.
Not chilling before serving: Allowing the salad to chill enhances flavors. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. You might need more salt or sweetness based on personal preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Cucumber Edamame Salad in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Ensure you add dressing only before serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cucumber Edamame Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of cucumbers after thawing.
Instead, prepare just enough for your needs.

Reheating Cucumber Edamame Salad

Oven: Not applicable as this salad is best served cold.
Microwave: Avoid reheating in a microwave; it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Stovetop: This dish does not require stovetop heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cucumber Edamame Salad:

What makes Cucumber Edamame Salad healthy?

Cucumber Edamame Salad is packed with protein from edamame and hydrating cucumbers, making it a nutritious choice full of vitamins and minerals.

Can I customize my Cucumber Edamame Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or even nuts for added crunch and flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The Cucumber Edamame Salad stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

How do I make this salad gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free option.

Final Thoughts

Cucumber Edamame Salad is not just refreshing; it’s also versatile and easy to customize. You can add various vegetables or proteins according to your taste preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a burst of flavors!