Description
This Asian-inspired Cucumber Edamame Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing is a crunchy, creamy, and plant-protein-packed dish perfect as a refreshing side or a light main. Combining crisp cucumbers, buttery avocado, shelled edamame, and toasted cashews, all tossed in a tangy, flavorful miso-lime dressing, this vegan salad delivers vibrant colors and delightful textures in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad
- 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
For Serving (optional)
- Chili crunch or chili garlic sauce
- Extra sesame seeds
- Extra green onions
Miso Dressing
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine the avocado oil, fresh lime juice, sugar or honey, white or yellow miso paste, grated garlic, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl or salad shaker. Whisk or shake vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Alternatively, blend them in a small blender or food processor for a more cohesive dressing.
- Season the Avocado: Spritz the cubed avocado with lime juice and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor and prevent browning.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped cucumbers, shelled edamame, cubed avocado, roasted cashews, sesame seeds, and thinly sliced green onions.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour approximately two-thirds of the miso dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the salad to serving bowls or plates. Top with extra green onions, sesame seeds, another drizzle of the remaining dressing, and optionally, a spoonful of chili crunch or chili garlic sauce for some heat.
Notes
- Refer to the original blog post for variations, ingredient substitutions, and additional tips.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, adjust the sugar or honey quantity to taste.
- For a nut-free version, omit the roasted cashews or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
- The salad can be served immediately or chilled for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors further.
