Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that’s not just a side but can stand proudly as the star of your meal, then you’re in for a treat with this Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad. This delightful dish is packed with vibrant flavors and textures that make it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s healthy, refreshing, and best of all, it’s super easy to whip up!

What makes this salad so special is its balance of crunchy veggies, protein-packed edamame, and a creamy peanut dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or enjoying it as a meal prep option for the week ahead, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It stays fresh and delicious in the fridge!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome veggies and plant-based protein that will keep you feeling energized.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of crunchy textures and savory peanut dressing creates a dish that’s as tasty as it is satisfying.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand—this salad is flexible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad, you’ll want to gather some simple, wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create this vibrant dish.

For the Salad

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 pound frozen edamame (not in the shell)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 2 cups finely chopped kale
• 2 large carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 cup chopped roasted cashews (can sub for peanuts)
• Optional: crispy wonton strips

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter (preferably unsalted)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons sriracha (can omit if you don’t like spice)
• 2-4 tablespoons water to thin

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Add grilled chicken or tofu for an extra protein boost if desired.
• Change up the crunch: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of cashews for different textures.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumbers for even more freshness.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes on top.

How to Make Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Then, add it to a pot with 1 cup of water and cook according to package instructions. Cooking quinoa properly ensures fluffy grains that will absorb all those delicious flavors later.

Step 2: Prepare the Edamame

While your quinoa cooks, take the frozen edamame and place it in a bowl with 1/2 cup of water. Cover it and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, steam them on the stove. This step makes sure your edamame is tender yet still has that delightful crunch.

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies

As your grains cook, get those veggies ready! Shred the cabbage using a mandoline if you have one; it creates beautiful thin slices. Finely chop kale, grate carrots, and chop scallions along with cilantro. Each veggie brings its own unique flavor and texture to this salad.

Step 4: Cool Down

Once both the quinoa and edamame are done cooking, let them cool for about 10 minutes before adding them to your salad bowl. Cooling prevents wilting other fresh ingredients when mixed together.

Step 5: Whip Up the Dressing

In a shaker bottle or mason jar (or just a bowl), combine all dressing ingredients: peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, soy sauce or tamari, ginger, garlic, sriracha, and enough water to reach your desired consistency. Shake or whisk until smooth! Tasting at this stage lets you adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add cooled quinoa, edamame, and all those colorful veggies! Pour that delicious dressing on top and mix gently until everything is well coated. This step ensures every bite packs that amazing flavor!

Step 7: Finish with Crunch

Top off your salad with chopped roasted cashews and sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired. This adds an extra layer of crunch while giving each bite some spice!

Enjoy your Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad as a main dish or alongside other favorites—it’s sure to impress!

Pro Tips for Making Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad

Creating a delicious Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad is easy and fun—here are some tips to ensure you nail it every time!

• Rinse your quinoa: This step helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can make the quinoa taste bitter. Rinsing ensures a clean, nutty flavor in your salad.

• Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preference. If you love a kick, go for more; if you prefer a milder dish, feel free to skip it or use less.

• Prep ahead for meal prep: Chop all your veggies and make the dressing in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers so they stay fresh, making it easy to assemble your salad throughout the week.

• Use fresh herbs for flavor: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, but you can also experiment with other herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist.

• Add texture with toppings: For an extra crunch, consider adding crispy wonton strips or toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. They add delightful texture and enhance the presentation.

How to Serve Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad

This vibrant salad is not only tasty but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present and elevate this dish when serving.

Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts or cashews: A sprinkle of these nuts on top will enhance crunchiness and add an extra layer of flavor.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty aroma and beautiful visual contrast against the colorful veggies.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their salad for an added zing!

Side Dishes

• Steamed dumplings: These bite-sized delights complement the crunch of your salad while providing a warm, savory contrast.
• Coconut rice: The creamy sweetness of coconut rice pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the salad, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Miso soup: A light miso soup serves as a comforting starter that balances the refreshing flavors of the salad with its umami richness.
• Grilled vegetable skewers: Colorful skewers filled with seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add smokiness and depth that enhances your dining experience.

Enjoy your Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad as a main dish or alongside these delightful sides for a complete meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prep! Not only is it quick to whip up, but it also stays fresh in the refrigerator, making it perfect for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the veggies.
• The salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• It’s best not to freeze this salad as the texture of the vegetables can become mushy upon thawing.
• However, if you want to freeze portions of just the quinoa and edamame, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• If you’ve frozen quinoa and edamame, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• For leftovers, enjoy them cold or at room temperature. If you prefer warm, lightly heat them in a pan over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delicious salad, here are some frequently asked questions!

Can I make Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare all ingredients and store separately; combine when you’re ready to eat!

What should I do if I can’t find edamame for my Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad?

If you can’t find edamame, try substituting with cooked green peas or chickpeas. They’ll provide a similar texture and protein boost!

How long can I store Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the dressing separate until serving!

Is Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as written. You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this vibrant and nutritious Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad as much as I do! It’s not just a feast for your taste buds but also a delightful way to add more veggies into your meals. Whether you’re prepping for lunch or looking for a colorful side dish, this recipe has got you covered. Enjoy every crunchy bite!