Crunchy side salad with soy, lime, and sesame
Sesame Cucumber Edamame Salad
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Sesame Cucumber Edamame Salad
Crunchy side salad with soy, lime, and sesame
A crisp salad of cucumbers and edamame in a light sesame dressing that works as a side or a lunch add-on.
15m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This kind of salad earns its place by being fast, fresh, and useful. It brings crunch to heavier meals and holds up better than most lettuce salads once dressed.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, chopped
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and scallions for serving
PrepDaily Use
Test Kitchen Pick
Chef Knife
Helpful Tool
Why a sharp knife helps here
When the recipe is mostly prep, the tool that matters most is the one doing the cutting. A sharp chef’s knife makes the whole process faster and cleaner.
This recipe is won or lost in prep speed and cleaner cuts.
- Speeds up chopping and slicing
- Makes prep more consistent and less frustrating
A good chef’s knife is still the single most useful kitchen upgrade for prep-heavy cooking.
Shop chef knife options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Combine the cucumbers and edamame in a bowl.
- 2
Whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- 3
Toss the dressing with the salad.
- 4
Finish with sesame seeds and scallions.
- 5
Serve cold.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Substitutions
Rice vinegarLime juice
Lime makes the salad more punchy and less delicate
ScallionsCilantro
Cilantro shifts the salad slightly more Southeast Asian in feel
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Rice Vinegar
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the rice vinegar matters
This recipe wants a softer acidity than standard distilled vinegar. Rice vinegar keeps the flavor cleaner and more balanced.
It sharpens the dish without making it harsh.
- Brighter finish without aggressive acidity
- Useful across dressings, sauces, and quick pickles
Rice vinegar is one of those pantry staples that quietly improves a lot of weeknight cooking.
Shop rice vinegar for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Salt the cucumbers lightly first if you want a more concentrated final flavor.
A little lime makes the salad even brighter.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating
No reheating needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories110
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein6g
Carbohydrates9g
Fat6g
Fiber3g
Sugar3g
Sodium220mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add avocado?
- Yes, but add it right before serving so it stays fresh.
- Do I need cooked edamame?
- Yes. Thawed shelled edamame works perfectly here.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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