Cucumber Edamame Salad

A classic cucumber salad is a light and refreshing way to get your veggies in. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or eating it on its own, you truly can’t go wrong with this bright and flavorful veggie salad. And my favorite cucumber salad recipe, lately? Hands-down, it’s my Cucumber Edamame Salad. This salad is bursting with crunchy cucumbers, fresh herbs, and protein-packed edamame for a salad that is equally as perfect for those long summer days, and late summer nights.

Friends, summer is just around the corner, which means that it’s summer salad season. While it’s true, salads are delicious anytime of year, there is something especially delicious about a salad in the summertime. They are crunchy, they are refreshing, they are flavorful, and are the perfect dish to grab-and-go for an afternoon picnic, or bring to a family bbq.

Lately, I’ve been on a kick of making cucumber salads. Call me crazy, but I think they’re even better than traditional lettuce salads! The cucumbers are not only light and refreshing, but they are perfectly crunchy and stay crunchy with time, meaning that you can prep these salads in advance and say goodbye to soggy salads forever. Whether I’m making my Armenian Cucumber & Tomato salad, my Creamy Cucumber Salad, or my Spicy Cucumber Avocado salad, there are so many delicious ways to incorporate cucumbers into your summer salads. You truly can’t go wrong!

What You Need to Make This Crunchy & Delicious Salad

• Persian Cucumbers or English Cucumbers: I love using Persian cucumbers for this salad, because they are small, crunchy, and delicious. However, traditional English cucumbers also work well for this recipe- just be sure to dice them small.
• Edamame: Edamame is packed with protein and adds a delicious texture to this salad! I like using frozen, pre-shelled edamame to make this salad even simpler.
• Cilantro or Parsley: For the perfect herby flavor, you can use either cilantro or parsley in this salad.
• Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a delicious flavor to this recipe. I like to use only the greens of the green onions, since the whites tend to be spicier in flavor.
• Olive Oil: Of course, the magic in this salad lies within the healthy fats, and olive oil is the king of healthy fats! It’s rich, it’s filling, and it makes for the perfect base for the dressing of this salad.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Rice wine vinegar adds a tangy flavor to this dressing that is truly unbeatable.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is key to making this dressing, and adding the signature salty flavor.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds the perfect nutty, savory flavor that truly takes this dressing to the next level.
• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness, without the refined sugars.
• Garlic and Ginger: The combination of fresh garlic and ground ginger adds the perfect flavor to this salad. If you like a more flavorful salad, you can always add more!
• Sea Salt: Sea salt adds the perfect finishing touch to this salad. Just be sure to go easy on the salt at first, especially if you are using traditional soy sauce.
• Sesame Seeds: These are optional, but I love adding sesame seeds on top of the salad as a garnish!

How to Make This Simple Salad in Only 5 Minutes

This salad comes together in only 5 minutes, making it the perfect recipe to throw together in a pinch! To make the salad, start by chopping the cucumbers, cilantro (or parsley) and onions, and add them to a large bowl. Next, shell the edamame (if not shelled already) and add it to the bowl.

Then, prepare the dressing by whisking the dressing ingredients together in a separate bowl. Taste and adjust the dressing as needed, then pour it on top of the salad. Toss to combine, serve, and enjoy! Store an leftovers in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to four days.

My Favorite Ways to Serve This Salad

There are two ways to enjoy this salad: either on its own for a delicious snack (or small meal), or paired alongside a main dish for a perfectly balanced meal. You can’t go wrong either way, but if you’re looking for some serving ideas, here are a few of my favorites!

• Serve it with salmon: A buttery salmon is the perfect accompaniment to this Cucumber Edamame Salad! It makes for a light and refreshing meal that will you leave you feeling full, but not sluggish.
• Pair it with noodles: My Quick & Easy 10-Minute Rice Noodles are another simple and easy recipe that comes together in just a few minutes, and provides a delicious gluten-free and vegan-friendly meal!
• Add it to Chicken: A simple, juicy chicken breast is the perfect way to add some extra protein to this salad recipe.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim