Name: Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 English cucumber or 2–3 Persian cucumbers, chopped; 1 1/4 cups shelled edamame; 1 avocado, cubed; Spritz of lime juice; Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup roasted cashews, roughly chopped; 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 cup green onions, thinly sliced; Chili crunch or chili garlic sauce; Extra sesame seeds; Extra green onions; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (juice of one whole lime); 1 tablespoon sugar or honey; 1 tablespoon white miso paste (or yellow miso paste); 1 clove garlic, grated; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 59 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and packed with vibrant flavors, the Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing Recipe has got you covered. This Asian-inspired vegan salad brings together crisp cucumbers, protein-rich edamame, and buttery avocado, all tossed in a luscious, tangy miso dressing that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a standout side, this salad hits every note with its delightful textures and mouthwatering creaminess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, light beige batter with small bubbles on the surface. A shiny metal whisk rests inside the bowl with its handle leaning outwards. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each contributing a unique touch to the salad. From the refreshing crunch of cucumbers to the nutty depth of roasted cashews, every component balances perfectly to create a refreshing and satisfying dish.

English cucumber or Persian cucumbers: Provides crispness and a mild, refreshing flavor that forms the salad’s base.
Shelled edamame: Adds a satisfying plant-based protein boost and vibrant green color.
Avocado: Cubed for creaminess and smooth texture contrasted against the crunchier ingredients.
Lime juice and pinch of salt: Brightens the salad and seasons the avocado perfectly, enhancing all flavors.
Roasted cashews: Roughly chopped to add a nutty crunch that plays well with the smooth dressing.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for an extra layer of nuttiness and a bit of visual appeal.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for a mild onion bite and fresh color.
Avocado oil: Used in the dressing for its light, buttery consistency that blends flavors seamlessly.
Fresh lime juice: The acidic punch that balances the creaminess in the dressing.
Sugar or honey: Just a touch to round out the miso’s savory depth.
White or yellow miso paste: Delivers an umami richness that makes this salad truly special.
Grated garlic: Infuses a subtle hint of pungency that wakes up the taste buds.
Toasted sesame oil: A splash for that authentic Asian-inspired aroma and flavor.
Optional toppings (chili crunch, extra sesame seeds, more green onions): For those who love an added kick or more texture variety.

How to Make Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Start by chopping your cucumber into bite-sized pieces—English cucumber works beautifully, but Persian cucumbers offer slightly smaller, crunchier bites. Next, cube the avocado and spritz it with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt to keep it vibrant and creamy. Add shelled edamame, chopped roasted cashews, thinly sliced green onions, and sesame seeds to a large bowl, ready to mingle with the dressing.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Miso Dressing

Crafting the miso dressing is wonderfully simple and rewarding. Whisk together avocado oil, fresh lime juice, sugar or honey, white miso paste, grated garlic, and toasted sesame oil until everything emulsifies into a creamy sauce. If you prefer extra smoothness and a cohesive texture, blend the ingredients quickly in a small blender or food processor—both methods yield delicious results, so choose your favorite!

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Pour about two-thirds of the creamy miso dressing over the salad ingredients and toss them gently. This ensures each component gets coated but remains distinct. Save the remaining dressing for drizzling on top for extra flavor intensity. The mix of fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, savory miso, and crunchy cashews creates an irresistible harmony you’ll want to savor.

Step 4: Garnish and Add Spicy Flair

Finish your salad with additional green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and if you’re someone who loves a little heat, a spoonful of chili crunch or chili garlic sauce makes a fantastic topping. These little touches transform the salad from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing Recipe

The image shows a bowl filled with a fresh green salad. The base layer consists of small chopped green vegetables, including peas and leafy greens, creating a vibrant green mixture. On top, there are scattered pale cashew nuts adding texture and light brown color. A creamy light dressing is drizzled unevenly over the salad, giving it a shiny and moist look. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface, with a small glass of light brown liquid partly visible at the edge of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnish, bright green sliced scallions and extra roasted sesame seeds add freshness and a subtle crunch that’s pleasing both visually and texturally. If you’re in the mood for heat, chili crunch adds a fiery kick that complements the creamy dressing wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a light side alongside grilled tofu, steamed jasmine rice, or a simple bowl of miso soup. Its refreshing nature helps balance heavier, richer dishes while infusing vibrant Asian flavors into your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad inside hollowed-out cucumber boats or atop a bed of fresh greens for an elegant touch. You can also pack it into mason jars layered with ingredients for a colorful and portable lunch option that makes midweek meals exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing-coated vegetables keep their freshness for up to 2 days, but the avocado may darken slightly, so for the best looks, add avocado just before serving next time.

Freezing

This salad isn’t suited for freezing because the cucumber and avocado will become watery and mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh to preserve its signature crunch and creaminess.

Reheating

No reheating needed since this salad is best served chilled or room temperature. Simply give it a gentle toss and a fresh drizzle of miso dressing if it looks a bit dry after refrigerated storage.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of edamame?

Absolutely! While edamame provides a unique taste and texture, cooked green peas or chickpeas can be great substitutes that still bring that protein punch and vibrant color you want in this salad.

Is the miso dressing gluten-free?

Most white and yellow miso pastes are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the label as some varieties contain barley. Opt for certified gluten-free miso if you have sensitivities.

Can I make the dressing vegan?

Yes! To keep this recipe vegan, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey in the dressing. The flavor remains just as delicious and balanced.

How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?

It’s best to dress the salad right before serving, but once combined, it stays fresh for about a day in the fridge. Wait to add avocado until just before eating to avoid browning.

Can I add other vegetables or toppings?

Definitely! Shredded carrots, thinly sliced radishes, or fresh herbs like cilantro and mint work beautifully here. Feel free to experiment with what you enjoy most.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels light yet indulgent and always brings a smile with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a flavorful side, or a dish to impress friends, this salad has your back with simple ingredients and bold flavors. Enjoy the freshness and the creamy, savory dressing that ties it all together in such a delightful way!