Edamame Cucumber Sesame Salad (Printer View)

Chilled edamame and cucumber tossed in a savory sesame dressing for a refreshing, light dish.

# Components:

→ 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)

# Method steps:

01 - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add shelled edamame and cook 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to chill.
02 - In a large bowl, mix 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 the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
05 - Sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the salad.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 20 minutes, which means you can make it on a weeknight without fuss or stress.
  • The sesame dressing is so versatile you'll start spooning it over everything once you taste it.
  • Edamame is surprisingly filling for something this light, making it perfect as a standalone meal or elegant side.
02 -
  • Don't skip the ice bath for the edamame—warm beans absorb the dressing differently and can get mushy instead of staying tender.
  • Grate your ginger fresh every time; powdered ginger will make the dressing taste oddly flat and medicinal.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes if you buy them raw—the difference in flavor is remarkable and worth the tiny effort.
  • Whisk the dressing in the bowl where you'll serve it to save a dish, and let it sit for five minutes before adding the vegetables so the flavors meld together properly.
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