Edamame Cucumber Sesame Salad (Printable Version)

Chilled edamame and cucumber tossed in a savory sesame dressing, perfect for light, fresh flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 freshly grated 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 shelled edamame and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to chill.
02 - In a large bowl, mix the chilled edamame, diced cucumber, green onions, and 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 with additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro if desired.
06 - Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in barely twenty minutes, making it perfect for those moments when you want something homemade without the fuss.
  • The sesame dressing is secretly addictive, with just enough depth and richness to make simple vegetables feel restaurant-worthy.
  • It stays fresh in the fridge for days, which means you can actually meal prep without getting bored.
02 -
  • Don't skip the ice bath for the edamame, because warm edamame will wilt your cucumber and make the whole salad turn into mush. The temperature contrast is essential.
  • If you make this ahead, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving, otherwise the salad will weep and lose its character. I learned this the hard way at a catering event.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds if you can, even though it takes an extra three minutes. The flavor difference is astounding and makes the whole salad feel elevated.
03 -
  • If you're making this more than a few hours ahead, keep the dressing in a separate container and toss it in just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
  • A splash of mirin instead of honey adds a subtle sweetness and silky texture that makes you feel like you've unlocked a secret.
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