As the sun shines brighter and summer days linger, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing crunch of a Cucumber Edamame Salad to brighten your table. I discovered this delightful dish on one of those hot afternoons, desperately looking for something light and satisfying that wouldn’t leave me feeling weighed down. With its crisp cucumbers and the subtle richness of avocado, all tossed in a zingy sesame-ginger dressing, it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen.
This salad not only dazzles the palate with its umami-rich flavors but also boasts an impressive nutritional profile, making it a guilt-free pleasure. Perfect for picnic outings, serve it alongside grilled chicken, or enjoy it as a meal prep staple to combat the mundane weeknight dinner routine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone looking to escape the fast-food cycle, this delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad is your ticket to a vibrant, homemade experience that breathes life into any meal. Let’s dive into how to make this easy, flavorful dish!
Why is this Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad a Must-Try?
Freshness at its peak: This salad bursts with vibrant flavors, combining juicy cucumbers and creamy avocado—perfect for hot summer days.
Quick preparation makes it ideal for busy individuals: You can whip up this salad in just 15 minutes, freeing up time for summer fun.
Nutrient-dense and low-calorie: Each serving clocks in at approximately 260 calories, so you can enjoy flavorful meals without guilt.
Versatile for any occasion: Serve it as a colorful side dish or add proteins for a complete meal, adapting it to your needs effortlessly.
Crowd-pleaser appeal: With its eye-catching presentation and irresistible taste, this salad is sure to be a hit at gatherings or family dinners.
Dive into this refreshing recipe today and elevate your homemade meals!
Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad Ingredients
For the Dressing
• Sesame-Ginger Dressing – A harmonious blend that enhances the salad’s flavors.
• Avocado Oil – Provides a smooth texture and healthy fats; substitute with olive oil if desired.
• Rice Vinegar – Adds acidity and brightness; white wine vinegar can be used as a sweeter alternative.
• Toasted Sesame Oil – Delivers depth and nuttiness; ensure it’s toasted for the best flavor.
• Tamari/Soy Sauce – Contributes saltiness and umami; opt for gluten-free tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Fresh Ginger – Introduces zing and warmth; freshly grated ginger is recommended for optimal flavor.
• Garlic – Adds aromatic pungency; using fresh garlic is preferable to avoid a powdered taste.
For the Salad
• English/Persian Cucumbers – The main ingredient offering crunch; regular cucumbers can be used if treated (peeled and seeded).
• Edamame – Adds protein and texture; use shelled, thawed frozen edamame for convenience.
• Avocado – Balances creaminess with a smooth texture; add right before serving to prevent browning.
• Green Onions – Provides freshness and color; chives can be a suitable substitute.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – For additional crunch and garnish; can be omitted if not available.
• Aleppo Pepper Flakes – Offers mild heat and flavor depth; cayenne pepper can be used for extra spice, but sparingly.
• Optional Fresh Basil – Adds a delightful freshness and flavor; mint can be an alternative if desired.
Dive into these ingredients to create your Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad, and savor the fresh twist it brings to your meals!
How to Make Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad
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Whisk Together: In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, tamari, fresh ginger, and garlic. This dressing is the heart of the salad, bringing a zingy flavor to every bite!
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Slice Cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers into thin half-moons or quarters, allowing their crispness to shine through. The brighter and fresher they look, the more appetizing your salad will be!
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Prepare Avocado & Onions: Cube the avocado and thinly slice the green onions. Remember, adding avocado too early can cause browning, so save it for just before serving!
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, thawed edamame, avocado, and green onions. Each component should complement one another for a balanced salad.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the sesame-ginger dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated. Let the flavors meld for a moment to enhance the taste!
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Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle sesame seeds and a pinch of Aleppo pepper flakes on top for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance before serving.
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Serve or Chill: Optionally, add fresh basil for additional freshness, then serve immediately or chill for about 10 minutes for a refreshing bite!
Optional: Garnish with extra sesame seeds for an added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for the Best Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad
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Perfect Avocado Tip: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning, ensuring your salad remains vibrant and appealing.
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Thaw Edamame: Always thaw frozen edamame under warm water for the best texture in your salad; skipping this step can result in a chewy bite.
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Flavorful Dressing: Double the sesame-ginger dressing and store it in the fridge for up to 6 days. This enhances the flavor of your fresh Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad.
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Crunchy Cucumber Cut: Slice cucumbers as thin as possible to maximize their refreshing crunch and improve presentation.
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Preventing Sogginess: Keep salad ingredients, especially dressing, separate until serving if preparing in advance to maintain texture.
How to Store and Freeze Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad
Fridge: Store the salad without avocado in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Dressing: Make the sesame-ginger dressing in advance and refrigerate it in a sealed jar for up to 6 days.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the salad, as cucumbers and avocado can lose texture and quality once thawed. Enjoy fresh for the best experience!
Meal Prep Tip: Prepare all salad ingredients except the avocado ahead of time for quick assembly during the week, ensuring convenience without sacrificing taste.
Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and personalize this dish with your favorite flavors and ingredients!
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Dairy-Free: Swap fresh avocado with hummus or silken tofu for a creamy texture that’s completely plant-based.
This alternative keeps the richness while adding protein, making your salad even more nourishing. -
Herb Swaps: Replace green onions with fresh dill or cilantro to experiment with aromatic notes.
Each herb brings its unique character, creating a delightful twist that invigorates each bite. -
Heat it Up: Add sriracha or chili oil for a zesty punch, perfect for heat lovers!
Start with a small drizzle, and adjust according to your spice preference for a personalized touch. -
Crunchy Seeds: Instead of sesame seeds, try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
These seeds not only add texture and flavor but also bring a pop of color to your vibrant salad. -
Protein Boost: Consider diced grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a satisfying main dish.
This simple addition transforms the salad into a hearty meal, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. -
Flavorful Dressings: Experiment with a tahini dressing instead of the sesame-ginger blend for a different flair.
The nutty flavors of tahini add a unique richness that beautifully complements the fresh ingredients. -
Fruit Infusion: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tropical twist.
The fruit’s natural sugars will balance the savory components, providing a refreshing surprise in every bite. -
Nut Variations: Try slivered almonds or chopped walnuts in place of sesame seeds for added crunch and nutritional benefits.
Each nut offers a different flavor and texture, creating layers of taste that enhance the overall salad experience.
What to Serve with Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that harmonize beautifully with this refreshing salad.
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Grilled Chicken Kabobs: Juicy, savory chicken skewers complement the salad’s crispness and provide a satisfying source of protein. Ideal for summer grilling!
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Brown Rice Sushi Rolls: The subtle flavors of sushi rice and fresh vegetables balance the salad’s vibrant dressing, making for a delightful Asian-inspired meal.
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Chilled Soba Noodles: Light and nutty, these noodles paired with a sesame dressing create a refreshing, complete meal infused with Asian textures and tastes.
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Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh, crunchy spring rolls filled with colorful veggies mirror the salad’s freshness, making it a perfect light bite to accompany your dish.
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Mango Tango Smoothie: A luscious smoothie made with ripe mangoes and coconut milk brings a sweet and creamy contrast, perfect to wash down a vibrant meal.
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Coconut Milk Chia Pudding: This creamy dessert drizzled with honey provides a sweet ending that contrasts the salad’s savory notes, satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthy way.
Each of these options enhances the salad, creating a balanced meal that celebrates fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad components are perfect for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the salad (excluding the avocado) up to 2 days in advance; simply slice the cucumbers, thawed edamame, and green onions, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing in a separate container for up to 6 days and mix it in just before serving. This way, every bite of your Cucumber Edamame Salad will be just as vibrant and flavorful as when freshly made! Remember to cube the avocado right before serving to avoid browning and enjoy a delightful, hassle-free meal.
Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cucumbers for the salad?
Absolutely! Look for English or Persian cucumbers, as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them perfect for salads. Choose cucumbers that are firm and free of dark spots or blemishes. If using regular cucumbers, be sure to peel and seed them to avoid a watery texture.
How should I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
You can store the salad (without the avocado) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the ingredients fresh and crunchy. Fresh avocado can brown quickly, so remember to add it just before serving!
Can I freeze the Cucumber Edamame Salad?
Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. Cucumbers and avocado lose their crisp texture after being frozen and thawed, which can lead to an unappealing mushy salad. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh for an optimal experience!
I’m worried about the dressing separation. What can I do?
Very good question! To prevent the dressing from separating, you can whisk the ingredients well just before use. If you prepare the dressing in advance, keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge and remember to shake or whisk it again before adding to the salad. This simple step ensures an even, flavorful coating!
What dietary considerations should I keep in mind?
If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this salad gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. For allergies, make sure to double-check the labels on your ingredients, especially when it comes to processed items like the sesame oil. And if you’re concerned about nuts, be aware that sesame seeds are classified as seeds, not nuts, but always check with your guests.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! I often like to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a satisfying meal. This makes the salad heartier and adds an extra nutritional boost, turning it into a wholesome dish that is enjoyable for everyone!
Delicious Cucumber Edamame Salad: A Refreshing Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, tamari, fresh ginger, and garlic.
- Cut the cucumbers into thin half-moons or quarters.
- Cube the avocado and thinly slice the green onions.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, thawed edamame, avocado, and green onions.
- Pour the sesame-ginger dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and Aleppo pepper flakes on top before serving.
- Optionally, add fresh basil and serve immediately or chill for about 10 minutes.