Embrace vibrant flavors and satisfying textures with this incredible Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad. This recipe delivers a quick, healthy, and undeniably delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or delightful lunches.
Key Ingredients for Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad
- 1 cup shelled edamame (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (plain, any variety)
- 1/2 cup roasted, salted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted for extra flavor, optional)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water, to thin
How to Make Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad
This Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad is incredibly simple, yet packed with flavor and texture that’s incredibly satisfying. It boasts a delightful combination of tender edamame, fluffy quinoa, and crunchy peanuts, all brought together by a creamy, zesty peanut dressing that’s oh-so-delicious. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes, this salad is a lifesaver for any meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Edamame: If using frozen shelled edamame, cook according to package directions. This usually involves boiling or steaming for a few minutes until tender. If using fresh, blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Once cooked and cooled, set aside.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, prepared edamame, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Peanut Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated fresh ginger, and sriracha (or hot sauce) until smooth. You’re aiming for a well-combined, slightly thick sauce.
- Thin the Dressing: Gradually add the warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. It should be pourable but still have a nice coating thickness.
- Combine Dressing and Salad: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add the Crunch: Just before serving, stir in the roughly chopped roasted peanuts and sesame seeds (if using). This ensures the peanuts retain their delightful crunch.
- Serve: Serve the Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad immediately. It can be a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or even a main course when paired with your favorite protein.
Why You’ll Love This Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad
You’ll fall head over heels for this Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad because it masterfully combines wholesome ingredients with an explosion of taste and texture. Its star feature is undoubtedly the incredible mix of tender edamame, fluffy quinoa, and the satisfying nutty crunch from the peanuts and creamy peanut dressing, creating a flavor profile that’s both complex and incredibly moreish, reminiscent of a delightful street food favorite but better!
Not only is this salad a burst of culinary joy, but it’s also incredibly budget-friendly, proving that healthy eating doesn’t need to break the bank. Making it at home saves you the cost of expensive restaurant meals or pre-packaged salads, allowing you to enjoy vibrant flavors without the hefty price tag. The delightful combination of the savory, slightly sweet peanut dressing, the fresh veggies, and the satisfying chew of edamame and quinoa makes this dish a true winner. So, why wait? Dive into this delicious and healthy creation and experience the magic for yourself!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically stays fresh for up to 3-4 days. The peanuts may soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains excellent.
If you wish to freeze portions of this salad for future meals, it’s best to do so before adding the dressing and crunchy toppings. This will help maintain the texture of the vegetables and edamame. Store in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the dressing and toppings. Reheating is generally not recommended for this salad due to its fresh nature; it is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. However, if you do wish to warm it slightly, gently heat the dressed salad in a microwave for short intervals, stirring frequently, until just warmed through, keeping in mind that the textures may change.
Final Thoughts
This Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly spectacular and healthy dish. We encourage you to whip up this vibrant salad for a quick, satisfying, and delicious meal that everyone will love.
Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad
Ingredients
Method
- If using frozen shelled edamame, cook according to package directions. This usually involves boiling or steaming for a few minutes until tender. If using fresh, blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Once cooked and cooled, set aside.1 cup shelled edamame
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, prepared edamame, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup shelled edamame, 1/4 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated fresh ginger, and sriracha (or hot sauce) until smooth. You’re aiming for a well-combined, slightly thick sauce.3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce
- Gradually add the warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. It should be pourable but still have a nice coating thickness.2-3 tablespoons warm water
- Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Just before serving, stir in the roughly chopped roasted peanuts and sesame seeds (if using). This ensures the peanuts retain their delightful crunch.1/2 cup roasted, salted peanuts, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Serve the Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad immediately. It can be a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or even a main course when paired with your favorite protein.