Quinoa Edamame Salad is like a refreshing breeze on a hot summer day. Picture vibrant green edamame mingling with fluffy quinoa, all dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette that dances on your taste buds. Cucumber strawberry salad This dish isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that has been a crowd-pleaser at my family gatherings. Easy lemon vinaigrette recipe
I remember the first time I made Quinoa Edamame Salad for a picnic. As my friends took their first bites, I watched their faces light up with surprise and joy. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option or a colorful side dish for your next barbecue, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Flavorful breakfast burrito Trust me when I say, it’s more than just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Quinoa Edamame Salad offers incredible flavor while being super easy to prepare
- It’s visually stunning with its bright colors and fresh ingredients
- The versatility means you can customize it to suit any taste preferences or dietary needs
- Perfect for meal prep, this salad stays fresh and delicious for days!
I once served Quinoa Edamame Salad at a family reunion, and everyone kept asking for seconds—definitely a hit! For more inspiration, check out this Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Quinoa: Use rinsed quinoa for the best texture; it should be fluffy and slightly nutty when cooked.
Edamame: Fresh or frozen, these little green gems add protein and a beautiful pop of color.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for sweetness, they bring brightness and freshness to each bite.
Cucumber: Diced cucumber adds crunch and hydration; pick English cucumbers for fewer seeds.
Red Onion: Finely diced red onion provides a sharp bite that balances the other flavors beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad; avoid bottled juice for the best flavor.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the dressing’s flavor and adds richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other ingredients; don’t skip out on them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for an adventure in flavor as we whip up this delightful Quinoa Edamame Salad together!
Cook the Quinoa: Rinse one cup of quinoa under cold water. Combine with two cups of water in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer until all water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Prepare the Edamame: If using frozen edamame, cook according to package instructions until tender but still bright green—usually around 5 minutes in boiling water.
Chop Your Veggies: While the quinoa cooks, chop cherry tomatoes in half, dice cucumber into small cubes, and finely chop red onion so they blend well.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice with olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. This dressing will elevate your salad game.
Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, edamame, chopped veggies, and drizzle with dressing. Toss gently to combine while marveling at your colorful creation.
Chill Before Serving: Allow your salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets all those flavors mingle nicely!
And there you have it! Your vibrant Quinoa Edamame Salad is ready to impress at any gathering or simply as a nutritious meal prep option. Enjoy every bite! For more inspiration, check out this Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful Quinoa Edamame Salad is not just a feast for your taste buds; it brings a rainbow of colors and textures to your plate
- Packed with nutrients, it’s perfect for meal prep and impressing dinner guests alike
- The blend of flavors makes it a crowd favorite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the quinoa first; while it simmers, prepare the edamame and chop your veggies. This ensures everything comes together beautifully and stays fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what’s in season—bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado work wonders. Experiment with different dressings for new flavor profiles.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy later, serve cold or at room temperature—no reheating necessary!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a deliciously vibrant salad, use fresh ingredients whenever possible
- Make sure to rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its bitter coating
- Adding a splash of lemon juice brightens the overall flavor profile tremendously
Sharing this Quinoa Edamame Salad recipe has been such a joy! My friends often rave about how refreshing it is, especially at summer gatherings. Crispy quinoa salad recipe

FAQ
Can I use frozen edamame for this salad?
Absolutely! Just thaw them before adding to the salad.
What dressing pairs well with Quinoa Edamame Salad?
An olive oil and lemon vinaigrette works wonders with this salad.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This salad is naturally vegan; all ingredients are plant-based and delicious!
Quinoa Edamame Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Quinoa Edamame Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch. This refreshing salad features fluffy quinoa, protein-packed edamame, and colorful vegetables all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will impress your family and friends while also being easy to prepare and customize to suit various tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa with water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- If using frozen edamame, cook according to package instructions, typically for about 5 minutes in boiling water.
- While the quinoa cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and finely chop red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, edamame, chopped veggies, and drizzle with dressing; toss gently.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonality or personal preference; bell peppers or avocado can add unique flavors. For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted nuts or seeds.
