As the summer sun beats down and the days get warmer, I often crave something refreshingly light yet satisfying. That’s when my Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing shines brightest. Picture this: vibrant green cucumbers cradling creamy avocado, paired with the satisfying crunch of roasted cashews. The gentle zing of lime juice ties everything together, creating a dish that’s as much a treat for the palate as it is for the eyes.
I stumbled upon this delightful combination during a recent kitchen experiment, wanting to showcase seasonal produce in a way that even my busy friends could whip up in just 10 minutes. The added bonus? This salad is versatile enough to serve as a hearty main or a refreshing side dish, making it perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe brings a burst of flavor and nutrition that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Why is Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing a must-try?
Fresh Ingredients: This salad bursts with crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and crunchy cashews.
Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have a delightful dish ready to enjoy!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of lime and miso creates a tangy dressing that enhances every bite.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as a light main course or a vibrant side at any gathering.
Nutritious Boost: Packed with proteins and healthy fats, this salad keeps you satisfied without the guilt.
Give your meals a refreshing twist with this Cucumber Edamame Salad, and don’t forget to explore other delightful combinations in our light and healthy recipes!
Cucumber Edamame Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• English cucumber or Persian cucumbers – A refreshing base; choose Persian for extra sweetness.
• Shelled edamame – Adds protein and a beautiful pop of color to the dish.
• Avocado – Provides a creamy texture and richness that complements the crunch.
• Lime juice – A spritz adds zesty freshness to enhance the flavors.
• Salt – Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Roasted cashews – Adds crunch and a subtle nuttiness; feel free to use peanuts if preferred.
• Sesame seeds – Sprinkled on top for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
• Green onions – Provides a crisp bite and a hint of onion flavor.
For the Dressing
• Avocado oil – A healthy fat that adds creaminess; can substitute with olive oil.
• Fresh lime juice – A must for that tangy, vibrant flavor; use the juice of one whole lime.
• Sugar or honey – A hint of sweetness balances the tang of the dressing.
• White miso paste – Essential for that umami flavor; yellow miso works as a substitute.
• Grated garlic – Adds depth and warmth to the dressing.
• Toasted sesame oil – A little goes a long way in flavor; use it sparingly for richness.
Optional Add-Ins
• Chili crunch or chili garlic sauce – For those who enjoy a spicy kick!
• Extra sesame seeds – Because more crunch is always better!
• More green onions – To elevate the salad’s visual appeal and flavor.
Dive into this Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing and discover how simple ingredients can create a dish bursting with flavor and joy!
How to Make Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing
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Spritz the avocado with lime juice and season with a pinch of salt to prevent browning. This adds a zesty flavor and keeps your avocado looking fresh and vibrant.
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Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl: cucumbers, edamame, avocado, roasted cashews, sesame seeds, and green onions. Toss gently with about 2/3 of the dressing, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully.
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Top your salad with more green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of elegance. Drizzle additional dressing over the top and add a spoonful of chili crunch if you love a little heat—this step adds a delightful crunch!
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Mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or salad shaker. Whisk or shake vigorously until combined, or blend in a small blender cup or food processor until smooth and creamy.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Prep your Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing ahead of time for stress-free meal planning! You can chop the cucumbers and avocado up to 24 hours in advance; simply spritz them with lime juice and season with salt to keep them fresh. The edamame, green onions, and cashews can be prepped up to 3 days ahead—just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, mix the prepped ingredients in a bowl, add the dressing, gently toss, and let the flavors meld for a few minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy a crisp, delicious salad that tastes just as fresh and vibrant as if you made it on the spot!
How to Store and Freeze Cucumber Edamame Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dressing should be added just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing this salad, as the cucumbers and avocado may become mushy when thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh!
Meal Prep: For a quick meal option, prepare the ingredients (except the dressing) a day ahead and store them separately. This way, you’ll have a vibrant salad ready in minutes.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Simply toss the salad again if it’s been refrigerated to restore its lovely texture.
What to Serve with Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing?
Savor the harmony of flavors with delightful accompaniments that elevate your meal even further.
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Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy and smokey, these add a satisfying protein element for a balanced dish.
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Quinoa Bowl: Nutty and wholesome, quinoa pairs beautifully, adding a lovely texture that complements the salad.
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Vietnamese Spring Rolls: Light and fresh, these rolls provide a delightful crunch while enhancing the Asian-inspired flavors.
A super pairing for the salad! The fresh veggies and the creamy filling of the spring rolls mesh seamlessly with the salad’s crispness.
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Spicy Garlic Shrimp: These succulent shrimp bring a kick of flavor, making every bite a delightful experience full of zest.
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Coconut Rice: Creamy and slightly sweet, it offers a rich contrast to the tanginess of the salad’s dressing.
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Mango Chutney: A sweet and spicy condiment that adds a fruity pop, enhancing the flavor profile beautifully.
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Green Tea: A refreshing drink choice that cleanses the palate and complements the salad’s zest perfectly.
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Lime Sorbet: For dessert, this light and refreshing treat echoes the lime in the salad, leaving a delightful aromatic finish.
Expert Tips for Cucumber Edamame Salad
• Ingredient Quality: Always choose fresh, ripe avocados and crisp cucumbers. Quality ingredients ensure a vibrant flavor in your Cucumber Edamame Salad.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To maintain crispness, add the dressing right before serving. This prevents the salad from getting soggy while ensuring each bite is fresh.
• Season Gradually: When adding salt or lime juice, start with small amounts and adjust to taste. You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix a dish that’s too salty or sour.
• Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to swap cashews for your favorite nuts or seeds! Just remember to adjust the amount based on flavor intensity so it doesn’t overpower the salad.
• Make Ahead Tips: If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately in the fridge. Combine everything right before serving for the best texture and taste.
Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this delightful dish to suit your taste!
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Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. This infusion of heat will elevate the flavor profile in a thrilling way!
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Crunchy Alternative: Substitute roasted cashews with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds. Each alternative brings a unique crunch to the mix, offering delightful texture variations.
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Herbaceous Boost: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. These aromatic add-ins will provide an aromatic freshness that beautifully complements the salad.
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Creamy Vegan Dresser: Use tahini instead of miso paste for a dairy-free dressing. It adds a nutty richness while keeping the salad wonderfully creamy.
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Fruitful Addition: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a sweet fruity surprise. This touch of sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the savory flavors.
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Grain Goodness: Mix in some cooked quinoa or farro for added substance. This protein-packed twist turns your salad into a satisfying main course.
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Zesty Citrus: Swap lime juice for grapefruit or lemon juice. This little change brings a unique tartness that brightens up each bite!
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Veggie Medley: Add in thinly sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots for a colorful veggie boost, making every mouthful vibrant and nutritious.
Dive into these variations and enjoy the deliciously immersive experience of creating your version of Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing!
Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing Recipe FAQs
What type of cucumber should I use for this salad?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using an English cucumber for its crispness and minimal seeds. If you can’t find one, 2-3 Persian cucumbers are a great substitute; they are sweeter and just as delicious in this Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing.
How should I store leftover salad?
The more the merrier! Store any leftover Cucumber Edamame Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Just remember, to maintain the crispness, only add the dressing right before serving. If you find that the vegetables have softened a bit, just give them a gentle toss to refresh their texture!
Can I freeze the salad?
I suggest avoiding freezing this salad, as the cucumbers and avocado can become mushy once thawed. Instead, prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately so you can whip up the salad fresh whenever you desire. This way, you’ll enjoy the crunch and freshness every time!
What if I have a nut allergy?
No worries at all! If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, simply omit the roasted cashews and replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a lovely crunch without the nuts. Just adjust the amounts to your liking so that the salad still has that delightful texture and flavor!
How can I make this salad more filling?
Very! To transform this salad into a heartier main dish, consider adding cooked protein options such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adding a bit of quinoa or brown rice can also increase the fiber and make it more satisfying while complementing the fresh flavors beautifully.
What’s the best way to keep the avocado from browning?
Absolutely! To keep your avocado fresh, spritz it with lime juice immediately after cutting. This not only helps prevent browning but also adds a zesty zing to your salad! If you have leftover avocado, store it in a covered container with a bit of lime juice to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spritz the avocado with lime juice and season with a pinch of salt to prevent browning.
- Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl: cucumbers, edamame, avocado, roasted cashews, sesame seeds, and green onions.
- Top your salad with more green onions and sesame seeds. Drizzle additional dressing over the top.
- Mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or salad shaker until combined, or blend until smooth.