Description
This Edamame Peanut Crunch Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish loaded with crisp veggies, quinoa, and a creamy peanut dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a refreshing side that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad:
- ½ cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 pound frozen edamame (shelled)
- 1 ½ cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups finely chopped kale
- 2 large carrots, grated
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup chopped roasted cashews (or peanuts)
- Optional: crispy wonton strips
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional)
- 2–4 tablespoons water (to thin)
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water, then cook with 1 cup water according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
- Cook edamame by microwaving with ½ cup water for 5–7 minutes or steaming until tender. Drain and cool.
- Prepare vegetables: shred cabbage, finely chop kale, grate carrots, slice scallions, and chop cilantro.
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Add water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, edamame, and all vegetables.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Top with chopped cashews and optional red pepper flakes or wonton strips. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- Massage kale for a softer texture and better flavor.
- Let quinoa cool completely before mixing to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting sriracha.
- Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days—great for meal prep.
- Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: Stovetop / No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
