Edamame cucumber sesame salad (Print version)

Vibrant mix of edamame, cucumber, and sesame dressing for a light, refreshing 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:

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 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 toasted sesame seeds until emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine evenly.
05 - Sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top if desired.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something homemade without the fuss.
  • The sesame dressing is addictively savory and nutty, tasting like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • It tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to get cozy with each other.
02 -
  • Don't skip the ice bath for the edamame, or they'll keep cooking and turn soft and mealy instead of staying that satisfying tender-crisp.
  • If your dressing tastes too sharp before you pour it over, it's actually meant to be that way, because the vegetables and their water will soften it as they sit together.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes if you can, because the difference between pre-toasted and freshly toasted is worth the tiny effort involved.
  • Make the dressing first and let it sit while you prep vegetables, as this allows the ginger and garlic to really infuse rather than feeling raw and sharp.
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