If you’re looking for a salad that’s not only fresh but also packed with nutrients, then my Edamame Peanut Salad is just what you need! This vibrant dish combines the delightful crunch of shelled edamame and roasted peanuts with the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the zesty kick of red onion. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make each bite a little celebration! Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, making it a fantastic option for everyone at your table. With its high protein content from the edamame and healthy fats from the peanuts, this salad fits beautifully into a healthy diet. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light main course or a side dish, it’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to whip it up again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make my delightful Edamame Peanut Salad! Each ingredient adds its own special touch, so make sure to gather them all before you start.
- 2 cups edamame, shelled (you can find these in the frozen section – just thaw before using!)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (I love using unsalted for a more balanced flavor)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (they add a lovely sweetness and pop of color)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced (for that tangy crunch – you can soak them in water for a milder taste if you prefer!)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (this brings freshness that ties everything together)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (it adds a nutty flavor that’s just divine!)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for a little zing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on this – it really enhances the flavors!)
And that’s it! Simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a salad that’s not only delicious but also super nutritious. You’re going to love how easy this is to whip up!
How to Prepare Edamame Peanut Salad
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, let’s dive into making this vibrant Edamame Peanut Salad! It’s super simple and so satisfying. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious salad ready in no time!
Step 1: Boil the Edamame
First things first, let’s get that edamame cooked! Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in your shelled edamame. You’ll want to let them boil for about 5 minutes. This timing is key—too short, and they’ll be tough; too long, and they’ll lose that delightful crunch. Trust me, you want them just tender!
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
Once the edamame are done, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. This is important because we want to keep everything fresh and crisp! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled edamame, roasted peanuts, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together. The colors are just gorgeous at this point!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up that dressing! In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. The nutty aroma from the sesame oil is simply divine, and it adds so much depth to our salad!
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Finally, pour that delicious dressing over the salad mixture. Give everything a good toss to ensure every bite is coated in flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—this really brings all the ingredients to life! You can serve it right away, or if you prefer, pop it in the fridge for a bit to chill. Either way, it’s going to be a hit!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the goodness packed into this Edamame Peanut Salad! It’s not just delicious; it’s also loaded with nutrients that your body will love. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Of course, these values can vary a bit depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but it gives you a great idea of how wholesome this salad is! With a nice balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, it’s a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy nourishing your body with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the edamame and healthy fats from the peanuts, this salad is a powerhouse of good-for-you ingredients.
- Vegan-Friendly: With all plant-based ingredients, it’s a fantastic option for anyone following a vegan diet.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out the peanuts for other nuts or seeds to make it your own!
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Trust me, once you experience the fresh flavors and ease of this Edamame Peanut Salad, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
Want to take your Edamame Peanut Salad to the next level? Here are my top tips to ensure you get it just right every time!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: This salad shines when made with the freshest veggies! Try to use ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cilantro for that burst of flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference!
- Customize to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can add in other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, or even avocado for some creaminess. The more colorful, the better!
- Adjust the Dressing: If you like a bit more tang, add an extra splash of rice vinegar. Or if you’re a sesame lover, a little more sesame oil can enhance that nutty flavor. Taste as you go!
- Let It Chill: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully!
- Serve Cold: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If you make it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Making this for the week? It holds up well for a few days, but the veggies will stay crisper if you keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making this Edamame Peanut Salad in no time! Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with your favorite flavors!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with my Edamame Peanut Salad! Here are a few variations that’ll keep your taste buds dancing and make each batch uniquely yours:
- Add Crunch: Toss in some diced cucumber or shredded carrots for an extra crunch! They add a refreshing element that pairs beautifully with the edamame.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh mint or basil can bring a delightful twist—just chop them finely and mix them in for a burst of flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to your dressing. It’ll give your salad a kick that’s oh-so-good!
- Fruit Touch: Consider adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients. The sweetness of the fruit really elevates the salad!
- Nut Alternatives: Switch the peanuts for cashews or almonds for a different nutty flavor. You could even use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option!
- Grain Boost: For a more filling dish, toss in some cooked quinoa or brown rice. It adds heartiness and makes it even more satisfying as a main course.
- Asian Twist: Drizzle a bit of hoisin sauce along with the dressing for a sweet and savory profile that’s sure to impress!
These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to tailor the salad to your personal taste. Have fun experimenting, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious Edamame Peanut Salad prepared, let’s talk about how to make your meal complete! This salad is not only fantastic on its own but also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes to create a balanced meal. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Grilled Tofu or Tempeh: For a hearty protein boost, serve your salad alongside grilled tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors wonderfully and complement the salad’s fresh ingredients.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy brown rice or quinoa adds a nice grain element. You can even mix some of the salad into the grains for a delightful twist!
- Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry: Pair it with a light stir-fry of seasonal vegetables and your choice of protein. The warm, savory flavors of the stir-fry will contrast perfectly with the cool, crunchy salad.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies and your favorite protein can make a lovely addition. They’re light, fresh, and make for a delightful appetizer or side!
- Sesame Noodles: A side of sesame noodles tossed with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil can make for a fantastic combo. The flavors will harmonize beautifully with the salad!
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: If you enjoy meat, grilled chicken or fish seasoned with soy sauce and ginger can be a great pairing. They add a protein punch without overpowering the salad.
These options will not only complement your Edamame Peanut Salad but also create a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy the fresh flavors and happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No problem! Storing your Edamame Peanut Salad properly will keep it fresh and delicious for days. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftover salad in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. It’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days!
- Dressing Tip: If you know you’re going to have leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This will keep the salad crisp and prevent it from getting soggy!
- Serving Cold: This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to mix everything back together.
- Freezing Not Recommended: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the edamame and vegetables can change once thawed. Fresh is best!
With these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your Edamame Peanut Salad for days without compromising its freshness. Just remember to savor each bite!
Print
Edamame Peanut Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Vibrant Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and nutritious salad combining edamame and peanuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups edamame, shelled
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil edamame in salted water for 5 minutes.
- Drain and cool the edamame.
- In a large bowl, combine edamame, peanuts, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Customize with additional vegetables if desired.
- Serve as a side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Edamame Peanut Salad