Cucumber Edamame Salad

This Cucumber-Edamame Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing is fresh, flavorful, and filling. It's also make-ahead friendly and perfect for weekday meals.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love this Cucumber Edamame Salad
• The Ingredients
• Recipe Variations:
• Step-by-Step Instructions:
• Serving Suggestions:
• Recipe FAQs
• More Easy Summer Salad Recipes:
• Cucumber Edamame Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing

Why You'll Love this Cucumber Edamame Salad

My love for a refreshing cucumber salad during the summer months has no bounds.

Whether I'm tossing together this quick 10 minute Asian Cucumber Salad or this reader-favorite Smashed Cucumber Salad, they always hit the spot.

This recipe gets a protein AND fiber boost from edamame, and is tossed in a downright addictive Sesame-Ginger Dressing

It's filling enough to enjoy on its own, however also plays well with a myriad of other dishes, such as grilled meat or fish, or a sandwich or bowl of soup.

You also can't beat the fact that it comes together in 15 minutes and holds up well for leftovers.

It's an absolute MUST-make for these warm summer months!

For more summer salad inspiration, also check out my Zucchini Orzo Salad, Shishito Corn Salad, and this amazing Avocado Corn Salad.

The Ingredients

• Cucumber: This recipe works best with mini cucumbers, English/hot house, or Persian cucumbers. All of these varieties have thin skins, so you don't need to peel them, and aren't as watery as American cucumbers. 
• Edamame: Rich in protein and fiber, edamame makes this salad extra satiating. Look for frozen or fresh shelled edamame to save time.
• Avocado: You need one large avocado, which adds richness to the salad. Avocados are a great source of heart-healthy fats, as well as fiber.
• Avocado Oil: I prefer using avocado oil (or grapeseed) oil over olive oil here because their flavor is more mild.
• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is a little more delicate than red wine or white wine vinegar. This quality makes it one of my favorite vinegars for dressing raw vegetable salads.
• Sesame Oil: Look for toasted sesame oil, which is richer in flavor and darker in color.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds extra bite to the dressing.
• Garlic: Either finely mince the garlic or grate it on a microplane.
• Sesame Seeds: Look for toasted sesame seeds, or toast them yourself in a skilet. Toasting amplifies their rich, nutty flavor, which really elevates the salad.
• Green onion: Optional, however green onion adds lovely aromatic flavor.

For a full list of recipe ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below.

Recipe Variations:

• Cucumber-Tomato Salad: Add 1 large diced tomato or 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. (No need to alter any other ingredients!)
• Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or drizzle the salad with a little chili oil.
• Greek Cucumber Salad: Add ½ cup of crumbled feta to the mixture.
• Quinoa Edamame Salad: To add extra protein while keeping the salad vegan, mix in 1 cup of cooked and cooled quinoa.
• Edamame Corn Salad: During the summer months, feel to mix in the kernels from 1 to 2 grilled ears of corn.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Sesame-Ginger Dressing by combining all ingredients in a large liquid measuring cup or jar; whisk to combine.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients (cucumber, avocado, edamame, and green onion) in a large bowl. Pour dressing overtop and toss to combine. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestions:

This cucumber edamame salad is mighty satisfying on its own, however also pairs well with many other dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

• Shrimp: Especially these corn-studded Shrimp Cakes or this Creamy Coconut Shrimp skillet dinner.
• Burgers: Beef burgers, Black Bean Burgers, or these delicious Salmon Burgers.
• Tofu: This edamame salad is the ultimate cooling counterpart to my spicy Black Pepper Tofu.
• Salmon: My Miso-Maple Salmon, in particular, is a fantastic flavor pairing.
• Soup: Especially my Vegan Corn Chowder and Tomato Basil Soup.

Recipe FAQs

More Easy Summer Salad Recipes:

If you give this recipe a try, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. I also really appreciate readers taking the time to leave a rating and review! Lastly, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates.

Recipe inspo: Kalejunkie