Cucumber Edamame Salad

Name: Cucumber Edamame Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 Cucumber (thinly sliced); 1 cup Edamame (shelled); 1 Green onion (thinly sliced); 1 ½ Tablespoons Rice wine vinegar (can use white wine vinegar); 2 teaspoons Lime juice; 1 teaspoon Sesame oil; 1 teaspoon Honey; ½ teaspoon Ground ginger; ½ teaspoon Garlic powder; ½ teaspoon White pepper; 1 Tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional)

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my full disclosure policy.

No ratings yet

Prep: 10

Total: 10

JUMP to RECIPE START COOKING RATE RECIPE PIN RECIPE

Cucumber Edamame Salad is the perfect way to use up leftover cucumbers. In 10 minutes, you can have a light and refreshing side that you’ll absolutely love. It’s the kind of dish I reach for when I need a break from heavy meals, or when I want to bring something light and refreshing to the table that still feels thoughtful.

If you are a fan of fresh summer salads than try my onion cucumber salad or my chickpea and tomato salad.

A wooden bowl filled with Cucumber Edamame Salad, topped with sesame seeds and set on a red and white checkered cloth. A jar and cucumber rest in the background.

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.

Why this Cucumber Edamame Salad Recipe is a Keeper

I love this recipe because it’s a quick, easy and super delicious. This recipe is perfect to add to any easy side dish recipe stash.

Fresh and Vibrant Flavor: It offers a delightful crunch from the cucumber and a sweet, nutty taste from the edamame, often complemented by a tangy and savory dressing. It feels light and refreshing.
Textural Contrast: The crispness of the cucumber against the slightly firmer edamame provides a satisfying mouthfeel.
Healthy and Nutritious: Edamame is a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber, while cucumbers add hydration and vitamins. It’s a guilt-free side or light meal.
Visually Appealing: The bright green of the edamame and cucumber often paired with other colorful additions (like red onion, bell pepper, or herbs) makes it an attractive dish.
Versatility: Easy cucumber edamame salad is a fantastic as a side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or sandwiches, a light lunch, or even a healthy snack. It’s great for potlucks and picnics.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Many versions of classic cucumber salad actually improve as they sit, allowing the flavors to meld.
Dietary Friendly: Naturally vegetarian/vegan (depending on dressing), gluten-free, and often dairy-free.
Relatively Easy to Make: Most recipes involve simple chopping, cooking edamame, and whisking a dressing.

Do I Have to Use Fresh Edamame, or Can I Use Frozen?

A wooden bowl of vegetables with sesame seeds sits on a red checkered cloth. Green onions, a cucumber, and a jar of sesame seeds are in the background.

It’s best to use fresh edamame, but if you only have frozen edamame that can work too.

Fun Fact

Edamame are immature soybeans!

Summer Salad Ingredient Notes

This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients you probably already have—or can grab in one quick trip to the store.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

A top view of glass bowls containing ingredients sliced cucumber, edamame, chopped green onions, and various sauces, seasonings, and liquids arranged on a white surface.

Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers and American cucumbers are some of the most common types and would all work for this recipe.
Edamame: Make this salad with the edamame out of the pod. You can either peel them yourself or get pre-shelled edamame.
Vinegar: I like to use rice vinegar but you can also use white vinegar.

Variations and Substitutions for Crunchy Cucumber Salad

Easily customize this recipe by experimenting. Take it to the next level by using different ingredients and trying different flavors.

Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add more veggies to this Chinese cucumber salad.
- Bell Peppers: Diced red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add color and crunch to the Asian cucumber salad .
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced or finely diced for a pungent kick (consider soaking in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor).
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved or quartered for juiciness and sweetness.
- Avocado: Diced and added just before serving for creamy richness.
Protein Boosts: Make this a protein-packed edamame salad.
- Cooked Chicken/Shrimp/Tofu: Grilled, baked, or pan-fried and diced.
- Chickpeas/Cannellini Beans: Rinsed and drained for extra plant protein.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled for a salty, tangy addition (if not strictly vegan).

How to Make Edamame and Cucumber Salad

This recipe comes together in 2 quick and easy steps. This smashed cucumber salad dish is so good, it quickly became one of my favorite light salads.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

A collage of four images: a bowl with liquids, a mixed liquid in a bowl, sliced cucumbers in a bowl, and with both cucumber slices and edamame.

Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the rice wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, ginger, garlic powder and white pepper.
Add Veggies: Add in the sliced cucumbers, shells edamame and green onion. Toss to coat everything and top with sesame seeds.

Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make Spicy Cucumber Salad

Preparing steps in a recipe ahead of time can be the best way to go to be able to make it and enjoy it whenever.

Make the Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl and store in a separate airtight jar or small bowl wrapped well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just pour the dressing over the veggies when ready.
Assemble Just Before Serving: For the freshest texture, combine all the solid ingredients and toss with the dressing 1-2 hours before serving. This allows flavors to meld without the cucumber becoming too soft. If you must assemble earlier, consider adding diced avocado right before serving.

How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Crispy Edamame Salad

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The cucumbers may soften slightly over time, but the salad will still be delicious.
Using Leftovers: Added to Grains: Stir leftovers into cooled cooked quinoa, couscous, or rice for a quick and healthy grain bowl. You might want to refresh the dressing slightly.
Topping for Green Salads: Use it as a vibrant and flavorful topping for a bed of mixed greens, adding protein and crunch.
Wrap or Pita Filling: Stuff leftover salad into whole wheat pitas or large lettuce wraps for a light lunch. You can add extra protein like hummus or smoked salmon.
Stir-in for Cold Noodle Salads: If you have leftover cold soba noodles or rice vermicelli, stir in the cucumber edamame salad for an instant noodle dish.
As a “Salsa” for Fish or Chicken: The fresh, tangy flavors can make a great light topping for simply grilled or baked fish or chicken breasts.

Recipe FAQS for Summer Salad Recipe

Should I Peel the Cucumber?

If you’d prefer to peel the cucumber go ahead, but it’s not necessary.

My Salad Became Watery. How Do I Prevent this?

The best way to prevent watery salad is to lightly salt your sliced cucumbers. Salt them, let them sit in a colander for 15-30 minutes and then pat them dry with paper towels.

Expert Tips for Making this Spicy Edamame Cucumber Salad Recipe

Cool Edamame Completely: After cooking, rinse the edamame with cold water and ensure it’s completely chilled before adding it to the rest of the salad. Warm edamame can make the dressing less vibrant and potentially cause other ingredients to wilt.
Balance Your Dressing: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. It should have a good balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory. Adjust seasonings as needed. A touch of sweetness (sugar, honey, maple syrup) can balance the tanginess.
Don’t Overdress: Start with less dressing than you think you need and add more if necessary. You want the ingredients to be coated, not swimming.
Chop Evenly: Aim for similar-sized pieces for your cucumber and other additions (like bell pepper) so that each bite has a consistent texture and flavor.
Fresh Herbs are Key: While optional, fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or dill elevate the flavor significantly. Add them just before serving for the best aroma and appearance.
Let Flavors Marinate: While it’s best to add delicate ingredients like avocado just before serving, most cucumber edamame salads benefit from a short chill (30 minutes to 1 hour) in the refrigerator after mixing to allow the flavors to meld.
Toast Sesame Seeds (if using): A quick toast in a dry pan brings out the nutty flavor of sesame seeds. Add them as a garnish just before serving.
Jazz Up Dressing: Feel free to add ingredients like sesame oil, tamari, soy sauce, spicy chili oil, avocado oil, fresh ginger or ground ginger.
Serve this Recipe: Serve with Asian Spicy Cucumber Salad, Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad or Cucumber Pepper Salad.