Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad Recipe

Zesty Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad Recipe Everyone Loves

Edamame peanut crunch salad brings vibrant textures and bold flavors to your plate, refineing ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Crisp green soybeans provide a nutritional powerhouse with their protein-packed profile and satisfying bite.

Nutty undertones from roasted peanuts create a delightful contrast against tender legumes and fresh vegetable companions.

Lightweight yet substantial, this dish offers a perfect balance between wholesome nutrition and intense taste sensations.

Complex seasoning layers elevate the simple components, introducing unexpected depth and excitement to each forkful.

Crunchy elements add exciting dimensions that dance across your palate, making every bite an adventure.

Refreshing and versatile, this recipe promises to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad Bursting With Texture

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich quinoa and edamame, this salad delivers a complete nutritional punch that fuels your body with essential amino acids and plant-based goodness.
  • Create Texture Explosion: Crispy wonton strips, crunchy cashews, and tender vegetables provide a delightful mix of textures that make every bite exciting and satisfying.
  • Quick and Easy Meal Prep: With simple microwave and stovetop techniques, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch solutions that don't compromise on flavor.
  • Global Flavor Adventure: Bold Asian-inspired dressing featuring peanut butter, sriracha, and sesame oil transforms ordinary ingredients into a vibrant, restaurant-quality dish that transports your taste buds across continents.

Ingredients That Add Snap to This Edamame Peanut Salad

Base Ingredients:
  • Quinoa: Protein-packed whole grain with nutty flavor, provides hearty base for salad.
  • Edamame: Young soybeans offering complete plant protein, bright green color and creamy texture.
Vegetables:
  • Red Cabbage: Crunchy, vibrant vegetable adding color and crisp texture.
  • Kale: Nutrient-dense leafy green with robust flavor and additional texture.
  • Carrots: Sweet root vegetable providing crunch and natural sweetness.
  • Scallions: Mild onion-like herb adding fresh, sharp flavor.
  • Cilantro: Herbaceous ingredient with bright, citrusy notes.
Dressing and Topping Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy base providing rich, nutty flavor for dressing.
  • Rice Vinegar: Tangy liquid balancing dressing's richness.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener adding depth to dressing.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Aromatic oil bringing distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.
  • Soy Sauce or Tamari: Salty umami liquid enhancing overall taste.
  • Ginger: Fresh root adding warm, spicy undertone.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient providing depth and complexity.
  • Sriracha: Spicy hot sauce offering gentle heat.
  • Cashews: Roasted nuts adding crunch and richness.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.
  • Wonton Strips: Crispy optional topping for extra texture.

How to Toss Together Edamame Peanut Salad Quickly

Step 1: Prepare Quinoa

Rinse quinoa thoroughly. Add to a pot with water. Cook following package guidelines. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Cook Edamame

Place edamame in a bowl with water. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes or steam until tender. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Prepare vegetables with precise cuts:
  • Shred red cabbage
  • Finely chop kale
  • Grate carrots
  • Slice scallions
  • Mince cilantro

Step 4: Create Zesty Dressing

Combine dressing ingredients in a blender or container:
  • Peanut butter
  • Rice vinegar
  • Honey
  • Toasted sesame oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Fresh ginger
  • Garlic
  • Sriracha

Blend or whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Step 5: Assemble Vibrant Salad

Mix cooked quinoa, edamame, and chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Pour dressing over ingredients. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Top salad with:
  • Roasted cashews
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Optional crispy wonton strips

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Tips for Extra Crunch and Balanced Flavor

  • Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Washing quinoa removes its natural bitter coating called saponin, ensuring a cleaner, more pleasant taste in your salad.
  • Master Edamame Cooking: Steam or microwave edamame just until tender to preserve bright green color and prevent mushiness, keeping a satisfying bite.
  • Customize Veggie Texture: Slice vegetables uniformly for consistent crunch and even dressing distribution, making each bite balanced and flavorful.
  • Dressing Perfection: Shake dressing ingredients vigorously to emulsify, creating a smooth, well-blended sauce that clings beautifully to salad components.
  • Enhance Crunch Factor: Toast cashews and wonton strips briefly to intensify nutty flavors and add extra crispiness, elevating the salad's overall texture.

The Best Way to Store Leftover Edamame Crunch Salad

  • Refrigerate: Transfer salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate to maintain crunchiness.
  • Revive Texture: Before serving, stir the salad and add fresh cashews or wonton strips to restore crisp texture.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm the salad briefly in the microwave on low power, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent sogginess.

Side Dishes and Mains to Pair With Edamame Salad

  • Craft Tangy Asian Beer Pairing: Grab a crisp Japanese lager like Sapporo or Asahi to complement the salad's bold peanut and sesame flavors. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the richness of the dressing and provides a perfect palate cleanser.
  • Elevate with Chilled Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German or Washington state Riesling that balances the salad's spicy sriracha and ginger notes. Its subtle acidity and fruity undertones create a delightful contrast with the savory ingredients.
  • Boost with Herbal Green Tea: Brew a cool sencha or genmaicha green tea to enhance the Asian-inspired profile. The tea's earthy, grassy notes harmonize beautifully with the edamame and nutty cashew elements, creating a refreshing and authentic dining experience.
  • Add Sparkling Sake Option: Choose a light, crisp junmai sake to match the salad's complex flavor profile. Its clean, subtle taste will highlight the dressing's peanut butter and sesame oil while providing a smooth, traditional Asian beverage complement.

Ways to Change Up This Crunch Salad With Global Flair

  • Tropical Edamame Fusion: Swap cabbage and kale with diced mango, pineapple, and spinach for a sweet and tropical version of the salad.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Replace cilantro with fresh mint and parsley, use olive oil instead of sesame oil, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
  • Spicy Korean-Style Crunch: Incorporate gochujang instead of sriracha, add kimchi, and top with toasted sesame seeds and crispy seaweed strips for a Korean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Add grilled chicken or tofu, replace cashews with sliced almonds, and include quinoa with a mix of brown rice for extra protein and texture.
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Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad Recipe

Asian Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crisp Asian edamame peanut crunch salad combines vibrant textures and bold flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine. Crunchy vegetables, tender edamame, and zesty dressing create an irresistible harmony that welcomes you to savor each refreshing bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein and Grains:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) frozen edamame (not in the shell)
  • ½ cup (90 grams) uncooked quinoa

Vegetables and Fresh Herbs:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded red cabbage
  • 2 cups finely chopped kale
  • 2 large carrots, grated
  • ¼ cup chopped scallions
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro

Nuts and Optional Topping:

  • 1 cup chopped roasted cashews
  • Optional: crispy wonton strips

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter (preferably unsalted)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 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)
  • 24 tablespoons water, to thin

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly rinse quinoa, then transfer to a pot with water. Simmer according to package guidelines until fluffy and tender, then spread on a plate to expedite cooling.
  2. Place edamame in a microwave-safe container with minimal water. Heat until vibrant green and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
  3. Prepare vegetable components with precision: slice red cabbage into delicate ribbons, finely chop kale into confetti-like pieces, transform carrots into thin matchsticks, and mince scallions and cilantro into fragrant snippets.
  4. Craft the dynamic dressing by combining peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha in a container. Vigorously blend until silky smooth, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
  5. Amalgamate cooled quinoa, edamame, and meticulously prepared vegetables in a spacious mixing vessel. Drizzle dressing generously, then toss thoroughly to ensure comprehensive coating.
  6. Elevate the salad’s texture by sprinkling roasted cashews and red pepper flakes across the surface. Optional crispy wonton strips can add an extra crunch. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor profile.

Notes

  • This vibrant salad bursts with protein-packed quinoa and edamame, offering a nutritious powerhouse that’s both satisfying and deliciously crunchy.
  • Prep work is key: shred, chop, and grate vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make assembly a breeze.
  • The homemade peanut dressing transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, balancing sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors perfectly.
  • Customize your salad by swapping cashews with almonds or adding grilled tofu for extra protein and texture.
  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping dressing and crispy toppings separate to maintain freshness.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace wonton strips with toasted gluten-free breadcrumbs or seeds and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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