The Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe is a vibrant, refreshing dish that packs a delightful punch of bold flavors and satisfying textures. This simple yet stunning salad perfectly balances the cool crispness of cucumber with the hearty bite of edamame and a fiery kick from spicy chili crisp. It’s a fantastic choice whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a protein-packed side, or just a fresh, flavorful salad to brighten up your meal. The colorful ingredients make it as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate, and you can whip it up in about 20 minutes—making it both delicious and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe plays a vital role in delivering its unique blend of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the cooling crunch of cucumber to the vibrant freshness of cilantro and the bold zest of chili crisp, it’s these simple, quality ingredients that come together to create a truly memorable dish.
- English cucumber: Thinly sliced for a crisp, juicy base that refreshes the palate.
- Cooked & shelled edamame: Adds a hearty, protein-packed bite for substance and chew.
- Cilantro: Chopped to impart a bright, herbal freshness that lightens the salad.
- Scallions: Diced scallions bring a mild oniony sharpness without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced or pressed to deepen the flavor with a warm, aromatic hint.
- Rice wine vinegar: Provides a clean, tangy acidity to balance all the ingredients.
- Soy sauce: Contributes savory umami notes enhancing depth and richness.
- Spicy chili crisp: Brings heat and a satisfying crunchy texture to amp up the excitement.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Toasted on top for a nutty crunch and delicate garnish.
How to Make Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Begin by cutting off the ends of your English cucumber and slicing it thinly, either with a sharp knife or a mandolin for even, delicate slices. This thin slicing ensures the cucumber will stay refreshingly crisp and soak up all the vibrant flavors of the dressing without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Draw Out Excess Moisture
Place the cucumber slices into a mesh strainer and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set the strainer over a bowl and let the cucumbers drain for about 10 minutes. This step is key as it removes excess water, preventing the salad from becoming watery and letting the flavors concentrate beautifully. After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumbers lightly and pat them dry with a clean towel before transferring to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
While the cucumbers are draining, chop your cilantro and dice the scallions, discarding the ends. Mince or press the garlic cloves to release their full aroma. If your edamame is frozen, warm it according to package instructions so it’s ready to join the salad at room temperature.
Step 4: Combine and Dress the Salad
Add the edamame, scallions, cilantro, and garlic to the bowl with the cucumbers. Pour in the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and spicy chili crisp. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so that every crunchy slice and creamy bean is evenly coated with the tangy, spicy dressing. This final mix will bring all the ingredients to life.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle a tablespoon of sesame seeds over the top for an extra touch of texture and flavor. Now your Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or even some chopped roasted peanuts on top to add a lovely crunch. Fresh cilantro leaves can rest on the plate as a garnish for an inviting herbal aroma that complements the zesty salad perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully alongside grilled meats, tofu, or fish, and it’s a fantastic complement to Asian-inspired rice dishes or noodles. Because it’s light but packed with protein, it can easily take center stage as part of a vegetarian or vegan meal too.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the salad in individual clear glass bowls or small jars to showcase the vibrant green colors. You can even stack layers of cucumber, edamame, and scallions, then drizzle the dressing on top before presenting, turning it into an eye-catching dish that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the cucumbers can release liquid over time, it’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days when they maintain their fresh crunch and the flavors stay bright.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because the cucumbers and fresh herbs lose their crisp texture and become watery upon thawing. It’s best to prepare it fresh or plan to keep leftovers refrigerated only.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended for this recipe since it’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that regular cucumbers have more seeds and a slightly different texture. If you use them, consider peeling and deseeding the cucumbers for a similar light, crisp outcome.
Is the spicy chili crisp necessary or can I substitute it?
While the spicy chili crisp adds a wonderful heat and crunch, you can substitute it with sriracha or another chili oil if that’s what you have on hand. Just add a little at a time to adjust the spice level to your liking.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is already plant-based, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike. Just double-check your soy sauce is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain fish-based ingredients.
How long does this salad keep well in the fridge?
For optimal freshness and texture, plan to eat the Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe within 1 to 2 days. Beyond that, cucumbers tend to soften and lose their crunch.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or even some tofu cubes to bulk it up. Just keep the textures in mind so the mix stays balanced and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you smile with every bite. It’s quick to prepare, wonderfully bright, and packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you want a vibrant side for your dinner or a light, spicy snack, this salad will quickly become a favorite go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh, spicy goodness in every mouthful!
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Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe
This Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad is a refreshing and protein-packed Asian-inspired side dish or appetizer featuring crisp cucumber slices, tender edamame, fresh cilantro, and a bold, spicy chili crisp dressing that delivers a perfect balance of heat and tang.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- ⅔ cup cooked & shelled edamame
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 3 scallions, ends removed & diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
Dressing and Garnishes
- 1 ½ tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon spicy chili crisp
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, as garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Cut off the ends of the cucumber and thinly slice it using a knife or mandolin for even, crisp slices.
- Salt and strain: Place the cucumber slices in a mesh strainer, lightly coat with salt, and set the strainer over a bowl. Let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumbers lightly and pat dry with paper towels, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prep other ingredients: While the cucumbers are straining, dice the scallions, chop the cilantro, and mince or press the garlic. If using frozen edamame, reheat according to package instructions and drain well.
- Combine ingredients: Add the edamame, scallions, cilantro, and garlic to the bowl with the cucumbers. Mix together gently to combine.
- Add dressing: Pour the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and spicy chili crisp over the salad. Toss everything until well coated with the dressing.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the salad immediately or chilled. Sprinkle with sesame seeds on top as an optional garnish before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and refreshing spicy cucumber edamame salad!
Notes
- Salting the cucumber helps to remove excess water and keep the salad crisp and not watery.
- For best flavor, use fresh ingredients and cook edamame slightly if frozen.
- The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili crisp added.
- Allowing the salad to chill for 10-15 minutes before serving enhances the flavors.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if a gluten-free version is desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
