Protein-Packed Edamame Salad Recipe (20 Minutes) Recipe
A refreshing and protein-packed edamame salad perfect for a quick 20-minute healthy meal. This vibrant salad combines tender shelled edamame with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red bell pepper, and zesty lime dressing seasoned with Himalayan salt, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 9 oz shelled edamame (about 1½ cups)
- 3 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, chopped finely (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch pieces
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped (about ½ medium onion)
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Seasonings & Dressing
- ¾–1 teaspoon Himalayan salt (adjust to taste)
- ½–¾ teaspoon finely ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste or use paprika for mild flavor)
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)
Instructions
- Prepare Edamame: If using frozen edamame, cook the beans according to package instructions, typically by boiling or steaming. Once cooked, drain the edamame well and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Chop the Vegetables: While the edamame cools, quarter or quarter grape or cherry tomatoes. Finely chop cucumbers, red onion, and red bell pepper into pieces roughly the size of the edamame for even texture. Also, chop the cilantro leaves finely. Combine all these vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled edamame beans to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour in fresh lime juice and sprinkle Himalayan salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper (or paprika for a milder taste) over the mixture. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or substitute with paprika for a milder taste.
- Salad is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to a day; it may lose some of its crispness.
- For a vegan and gluten-free option, ensure no additional dressings or additives contain animal products or gluten.
- To save time, buy shelled frozen edamame that cooks quickly.
Keywords: edamame salad, healthy salad, protein salad, quick salad recipe, lime dressing, gluten free salad, vegetarian salad
