Edamame Quinoa Salad with Carrot and Ginger Dressing

Ever craved a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s also packed with nutrients? This Edamame Quinoa Salad with Carrot and Ginger Dressing is the answer! Silky edamame, fluffy quinoa, and crunchy carrots come together in a symphony of textures and tastes, all tied together by a zesty ginger dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a potluck – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Inspired by healthy eating habits and easy preparation, let’s dive into the magic of this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Edamame Quinoa Salad

Here’s why this Edamame Quinoa Salad will become your new favorite:

• Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
• A delightful mix of textures.
• Vegan and gluten-free.
• Budget-friendly and easy to customize.
• Far more exciting than your average salad.
• Irresistible ginger-carrot dressing.
• Simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Edamame Quinoa Salad:

• Quinoa: 200g / 1 cup, uncooked. Choose a high-quality quinoa for the best texture.
• Edamame: 250g / 1 cup, shelled. Frozen edamame works perfectly.
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and shredded. Look for firm, bright carrots.
• Green Onions: 3-4, thinly sliced.
• Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped. Find fresh herbs at your local market.

Carrot and Ginger Dressing Ingredients

• Carrot Juice: 120ml / 1/2 cup.
• Rice Vinegar: 60ml / 1/4 cup.
• Ginger: 1 tbsp, grated. Use fresh ginger for the most vibrant flavor.
• Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp (use tamari for gluten-free).
• Maple Syrup: 1 tbsp. Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tsp.
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Essential Equipment List

• Medium saucepan: For cooking the quinoa.
• Large mixing bowl: To combine the salad ingredients.
• Small bowl or jar: For mixing the dressing.
• Grater: For shredding the carrots. A food processor is optional for speedy shredding.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Scale up for a crowd; halve for solo dining.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own Edamame Quinoa Salad:

Cook the Quinoa

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve.
2. Combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
4. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the quinoa is cooking, shred the carrots and slice the green onions.
2. Chop the fresh cilantro.
3. If using frozen edamame, cook according to package directions (usually steaming or boiling for a few minutes).
4. Let the edamame cool slightly.

Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the carrot juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, edamame, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
2. Pour the carrot and ginger dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
3. Serve immediately or chill for later. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to make your salad even better:

• Don’t overcook the quinoa. It should be fluffy, not mushy.
• Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more maple syrup.
• For a more intense ginger flavor, use a microplane to grate the ginger.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded carrots.
• Rest the salad in the fridge to allow the dressing to meld.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize this salad? Here are some ideas:

• Add protein: grilled tofu, or more edamame.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Use different vegetables: Bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas would all be delicious.
• Change the grain: Use brown rice or farro instead of quinoa.
• For a nutty flavor, toast the quinoa slightly before cooking it.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Edamame Quinoa Salad

This salad is versatile and pairs well with many dishes:

• Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
• Make it a complete meal by adding grilled tofu or chickpeas.
• Pair it with a light soup for a healthy lunch.
• Enjoy it cold on a hot summer day.
• For non-alcoholic options, pair with sparkling water with a lemon wedge.

Health Benefits

This Edamame Quinoa Salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

• Quinoa is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids.
• Edamame is a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins.
• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.
• Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties.
• The salad is low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
• If the salad seems a little dry after being stored, add a splash of dressing before serving.
• Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables may become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is great for meal prepping. The flavors meld together even more as it sits in the fridge. Make the salad a day or two in advance, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the quinoa from becoming soggy.

Can I substitute another grain for quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, farro, or couscous for quinoa. Cook according to package directions.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in place of rice vinegar. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?

Absolutely! Toasted sesame seeds, almonds, or walnuts would add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: Approximately 350 cal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 15g

Exact stats depend on ingredients; use a nutrition calculator for precision.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and flavorful salad recipes? Look no further!

• Peach Quinoa Salad – A sweet and savory delight for summer days.
• Chickpea Edamame Salad with Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette – Another edamame salad.
• Thai Peanut Noodle Salad – A zesty twist for spice lovers.

Conclusion

This Edamame Quinoa Salad with Carrot and Ginger Dressing is fast, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick lunch or a potluck. Whip it up tonight—tag us with your masterpiece!

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Happy cooking!

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