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Fresh Cucumber Edamame Salad with sesame seeds and green onions in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.
Layla

Cucumber Edamame Salad

Crisp cucumbers and sweet edamame tossed in a bright sesame-ginger dressing for the ultimate refreshing summer side.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Japanese-Inspired
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 2 cups edamame shelled, frozen
  • 2 English cucumber halved lengthwise and sliced thin
  • 3 scallions thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds divided
For the Dressing
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar unseasoned
  • 1.5 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 1.5 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing

Method
 

Prep
  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen edamame and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Shake off excess water and let cool completely, about 5 minutes.
  2. While the edamame cools, slice the cucumbers and scallions. Place the cucumbers in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel - this keeps the salad crisp instead of watery.
Make the dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and grated ginger until the honey dissolves completely. Taste and adjust - add a touch more honey if you prefer it sweeter, or more vinegar for extra brightness.
Assemble
  1. Add the cooled edamame and white parts of the scallions to the bowl with the cucumbers. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
  2. Taste and season with a pinch of salt if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the green scallion slices and 1 tablespoon of the toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Sprinkle with the remaining sesame seeds just before serving for the best crunch.

Notes

English cucumbers work best here because their thin skin and minimal seeds mean less water - but if you only have regular cucumbers, peel them and scoop out the seedy center before slicing. The salad is best the day it's made, but you can prep all components separately up to a day ahead and toss together just before serving. For a heartier meal, add cubed firm tofu or shredded rotisserie chicken.