Edamame Cucumber Sesame Salad (Printable)

Bright chilled edamame and cucumber tossed with a savory sesame dressing for a fresh, light dish.

# 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
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)

# How to make it:

01 - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add shelled edamame and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to chill.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine chilled edamame, diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and diced red bell pepper if using.
03 - Whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds until emulsified.
04 - Pour dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
05 - Sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro over the salad.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under twenty minutes, which means you can make it for a sudden craving or last-minute guest.
  • The sesame dressing is so balanced and aromatic that it transforms simple vegetables into something you'll actually crave.
  • It tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled together, making it perfect for meal prep.
02 -
  • Don't skip chilling the edamame after boiling, because warm beans in a cold salad creates an awkward texture and the flavors never quite marry properly.
  • If your dressing looks separated the next day, just whisk it again or shake it in a jar, and it'll come right back together.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for one minute if you have them, because the difference in flavor is genuinely noticeable and worth the tiny effort.
  • Make the dressing first and let it sit while you prep the vegetables, which gives the flavors time to develop and mellow.
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