Description
A refreshing and nutritious Quinoa Edamame Salad with a creamy peanut dressing that’s perfect for a light lunch or meal prep. Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is a satisfying and flavorful option for vegetarians and vegans.
Ingredients
Scale
For the salad:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cups shelled edamame (cooked and cooled)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (for topping)
For the creamy peanut dressing:
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
- Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, and garlic powder. Add warm water a little at a time until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, edamame, bell pepper, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve: Top with chopped peanuts before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad is great for meal prep and lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Add shredded cabbage or cucumber for more crunch, or grilled tofu or chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, No-Cook Assembly
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
