Name: Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 16 ounces frozen shelled edamame; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 2 cups chopped kale; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional); 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or cashews; 6 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 75 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that is as vibrant as it is nourishing, the Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with protein-rich edamame and a colorful medley of crunchy veggies, this salad is tossed in a luscious Thai-inspired peanut dressing that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re craving a light, refreshing side or a fulfilling meal, this salad perfectly balances texture and taste, making it a go-to for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want something both healthy and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds a colorful salad arranged in layers from above. On one side, bright green edamame beans form a smooth, shiny layer. Next to it, light beige peanuts add a rough texture. Above the peanuts, dark green kale leaves create a leafy, textured layer. To the right of the kale, finely chopped fresh green herbs provide a delicate, small-leaf texture. Below the herbs are thin slices of light green scallions. Next to them is a layer of chopped dark purple cabbage with a crisp look. Below that, a pile of shredded bright orange carrots adds a soft, stringy texture. A large dollop of thick, smooth brown sauce covers the middle right part of the bowl, partially covering some vegetables. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a unique note, from the crisp veggies providing crunch and color to the peanut sauce that brings everything together with a rich, savory sweetness.

16 ounces frozen shelled edamame: The star of the show, edamame brings a satisfying protein punch and a tender bite that anchors the salad.
1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant purple color and a pleasant crunch that makes every bite exciting.
1 cup shredded carrots: Offers a subtle sweetness and bright orange hue to brighten the dish.
1/2 cup chopped green onions: Injects a fresh, zesty lift with just the right mild onion flavor.
2 cups chopped kale: A hearty green that contributes earthiness and a satisfying chew.
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional): Brings a fragrant, herbaceous punch for those who love a fresh kick.
1/2 cup chopped peanuts or cashews: Crunchy nuts are essential for texture contrasts and a nutty richness.
6 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: The creamy base for the sauce, adding decadence and depth.
3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar: Offers brightness and a little tang to balance the richness of peanut butter.
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: A salty, umami booster that ties the sauce together.
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Infuses a subtle smokiness and warmth to the dressing.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a gentle spicy warmth for added complexity.
1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce (or to taste): Gives the salad a lively kick of heat that wakes up the palate.

How to Make Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Edamame

Start by cooking or thawing the frozen shelled edamame as per the package directions. Once done, rinse the edamame under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them crisp. This step ensures that the edamame retains its tender texture and bright green color, which is vital for a fresh, vibrant salad.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and toss in the edamame along with the shredded red cabbage, carrots, chopped green onions, chopped kale, and optional cilantro. Mixing all these colorful, crunchy veggies ahead means the flavors can meld nicely once you add the dressing.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce

In a separate small to medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, seasoned rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, pure maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and Sriracha. Whisk everything vigorously until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. If the sauce feels too thick for your liking, gently add a little warm water to loosen it up so it coats the salad beautifully.

Step 4: Toss Salad with Sauce

Pour your luscious peanut sauce over the veggie and edamame mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is evenly coated with the rich and tangy flavors of the sauce. This is where the magic happens, and the whole salad comes alive.

Step 5: Add Crunch and Chill

Sprinkle the chopped peanuts or cashews on top for a satisfying crunch. For an even more harmonious flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving, allowing the ingredients to soak up the amazing peanut dressing. Trust me, this resting time elevates the dish to something extraordinary.

How to Serve Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe

A large white oval plate is full of a colorful mixed salad with three main layers: bright green edamame beans scattered all over, thin orange carrot strips mixed evenly throughout, and small pieces of dark green kale along with tiny bits of purple cabbage adding texture and color contrast. The salad looks fresh and crunchy, with a glossy look suggesting a light dressing coating the ingredients. A pair of black chopsticks with gold tips rests on the right side of the plate, slightly touching the salad. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface with some fresh green cilantro leaves to the upper left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is a fun way to personalize your salad. Fresh cilantro leaves or additional chopped nuts on top add extra texture and a pop of color that’s sure to impress your guests or yourself. A light drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving can also boost the aroma beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully as a refreshing side with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. For a light lunch, serve it alongside warm, crusty bread. If you want to make it a heartier combination, consider scooping some cooked quinoa or rice noodles into the mix – it transforms the salad into a satisfying main course.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get a little fancy? Serve this Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe in individual mason jars or colorful bowls for an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. You can also turn it into lettuce wraps by spooning it into crisp romaine leaves for an elegant handheld option that doubles as an appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of this Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe, you’re in luck because it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and crunch as much as possible.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and peanut sauce lose their texture and flavor when frozen. For peak enjoyment, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you added grains like quinoa or rice, you can warm those components separately, but the salad itself doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh edamame instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh edamame can be a great substitute if you have it on hand. Just make sure to cook and shell them properly before adding to the salad.

What can I use if I don’t have peanut butter?

Almond butter or cashew butter make excellent alternatives in the peanut sauce, offering a slightly different but equally delicious nutty flavor.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes! The Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe is completely vegan as long as you check that your soy sauce and other condiments are plant-based, which most are.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and you’ll have a gluten-free, delicious dish.

How spicy is the salad?

The heat level depends on how much Sriracha you add. Start small if you’re sensitive to spice, and always taste as you go to personalize it to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those rare finds that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It brings together simple, wholesome ingredients with a show-stopping peanut dressing to create a dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again. I hope you give it a try soon and share the joy it brings to your table just like I do!