This cucumber edamame crunch salad with sesame ginger dressing is the side salad of your dreams. It has the best combination of texture and crunch and the dressing is to die for. Also, the edamame and cashews add fiber making it the ideal pairing for any protein.
If you're a salad lover like my you need to try my crispy pasta salad or my shaved carrot and fennel salad.
Jump to:
Why you'll love this shaved cucumber salad
- Fresh + crunchy. Crisp cucumbers, crunchy cashews, and scallions create a refreshing salad with plenty of texture.
- High in plant protein. Edamame adds protein and fiber, making this salad more satisfying than your average side dish.
- Quick to make. The dressing comes together in minutes and the entire salad requires no cooking.
- Perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the refrigerator, making it great easy lunches paired with your favorite protein.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers – Provide a crisp, refreshing base for the salad.
- Edamame – Adds protein, fiber, and a satisfying texture.
- Scallions – Bring a mild onion flavor and freshness.
- Cashews – Add crunch and richness.
- Sesame oil – Gives the dressing its signature nutty flavor.
- Rice vinegar – Adds brightness and acidity.
- Red pepper flakes – Provide a subtle kick of heat.
- Garlic – Adds savory depth.
- Soy sauce or tamari – Adds umami and saltiness.
- Honey – Balances the acidity and savory flavors.
- Mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing while adding tang.
- Fresh ginger – Adds warmth and fresh flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- Cashews: Swap the cashews for peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Honey: Use maple syrup in place of the honey to make the recipe vegan.
- Soy sauce: Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Scallions: Cilantro can be used in place of the scallions for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Mix together dressing.
Step 2
Toss together salad.
Step 3
Serve and enjoy!
Storage instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days.
Recipe Pro-Tips
Use a mandoline for best texture. Thinly sliced cucumbers help the dressing coat every bite, creating a more flavorful salad.
Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor. Toasted sesame oil is worth the extra price as it is so flavorful!
Recipe FAQS
Yes! Since this salad has no lettuce it won't get soggy. The flavors just deepen overtime so it is perfect to prep ahead.
This salad goes well with any protein including tofu, chicken, steak, salmon and even soft-boiled eggs. It goes well with anything!
Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey.
Other salads to try
If you make this Cucumber edamame crunch salad with sesame ginger dressing, please leave me a rating and review on this blog post. This is the best way to support me!
Tag me on Instagram so I can repost you!
Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get my latest recipes straight to your inbox.
Cucumber edamame crunch salad with sesame ginger dressing
Equipment
- mandoline I highly recommend this for shaving the cucumber
Ingredients
salad ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers - halved and finely sliced
- 2 cups cooked and shelled edamame measure out the edamame once shelled
- 1 bunch scallions - finely sliced
- ½ cup chopped cashews I used a heaping half cup so slightly more than ½ cup
Dressing
- ⅓ cup sesame oil I prefer toasted but you can use regular to cut down on cost
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic - minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari use tamari for gluten free
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- Add all dressing ingredients to a bowl and mix together until combined.
- Add all salad ingredients to a bowl and toss together with dressing. Serve and enjoy.
Leave a Reply