Looking for a vibrant, healthy, and surprisingly easy vegan salad? This Spinach Edamame Salad delivers a delightful burst of fresh flavors, perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at your next gathering, or a satisfying weeknight meal. The combination of tender spinach, sweet edamame, and a zesty, homemade dressing creates a culinary experience that’s both refreshing and incredibly nutritious. Packed with protein and essential vitamins, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
This recipe is simple to follow, even for beginner cooks, and requires minimal ingredients readily available at most grocery stores. Forget complicated preparations and lengthy cooking times; this salad comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal without sacrificing precious time. Ready to learn how to make this sensational Spinach Edamame Salad? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- Spinach: 250 grams
- Edamame beans: 100 grams (2/3 cups)
- Water: 1.5 liters (for boiling spinach) + 800ml (for spices)
- Star anise: 1
- Cinnamon stick: 1 small
- Peppercorns: a few
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Rice vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Honey or sugar: 1-2 teaspoons
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili: optional
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1-2 teaspoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and prepare 250 grams of spinach, cutting off the roots.
- Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds to reduce oxalic acid.
- Immediately transfer the spinach to cold water to stop cooking.
- Squeeze out excess water from the spinach.
- Chop the spinach into 10cm pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
- Boil 800ml of water with 1 star anise, 1 small cinnamon stick, peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon of salt (or just salt if you prefer).
- Add 100 grams of frozen edamame beans to the spiced water and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Drain and cool the edamame beans.
Step 2. Make the Dressing
- Crush 2 cloves of garlic, mix with 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1-2 teaspoons honey (or sugar), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and optional chili.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Combine the cooked spinach, edamame, dressing, 1-2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds, and any optional chili in a bowl.
- Mix well.
Step 4. Boil Water for Blanching and Edamame
- Boil 1.5 liters of water in a pot.
- Boil 800ml of water with 1 star anise, 1 small cinnamon stick, peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon of salt (or just salt if you prefer).
Read more: Chinese Shredded Chicken Salad Recipe: Easy Sesame Chicken
Tips
- Blanching spinach helps to reduce oxalic acid, improving mineral absorption.
- The spices add flavor to the edamame, but are optional.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It's best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting, but you can prep all the ingredients ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator.
2. What can I substitute for the edamame?
You can substitute other beans like chickpeas or snow peas for a similar texture and nutritional profile. Consider roasted peanuts for added crunch.
3. Can I adjust the dressing to my liking?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more or less soy sauce, rice vinegar, or sesame oil to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of oil like avocado oil.
This vibrant Spinach Edamame Salad is a testament to how simple, healthy, and delicious vegan cooking can be. Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious meal as a light lunch, a satisfying side, or a complete dinner – the possibilities are endless! We hope you enjoy this easy Chinese-inspired recipe and make it your own.