Zesty Edamame & Bean Salad
This vibrant Zesty Edamame & Bean Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that's perfect either as a refreshing side or a fulfilling main course. Bursting with colorful vegetables and robust flavors, it brings together the goodness of protein-packed edamame, hearty beans, sweet corn, and crunchy red pepper. Topped with fresh dill and a zesty lime dressing, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also vegan-friendly. Ideal for meal prep, picnics, or any summer gathering, this salad will captivate anyone who takes a bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shelled frozen edamame
10 ounces (Cooked as per package instructions)
Large red pepper
1 (Diced)
Black beans
15 ounces (Rinsed and drained)
Cannellini beans
15 ounces (Rinsed and drained)
Corn (shoepeg or white)
15 ounces (Rinsed and drained)
Fresh dill
1/4 cup (Chopped, or use 1-2 tablespoons of dried dill)
Lime juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Italian dressing
1/4 cup (Lite or regular, adjusted for salt content)
Ground black pepper
To taste (Freshly ground)
Avocado
1 (Chopped, optional)
Instructions
1
Opt for unsalted ingredients when possible. If using salted items, rinse them well to decrease excess sodium.
2
In a microwave-safe dish (a 2-quart Pyrex glass dish works well), add the shelled frozen edamame with a few tablespoons of water. Cover the dish and microwave for about 4 minutes or according to package instructions until cooked.
3
While the edamame cooks, dice the large red pepper into small cubes and set them aside.
4
Once cooked, pour the edamame and canned corn into a colander. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool and chill the vegetables. Shake off any excess water and transfer to a serving bowl.
5
Open the cans of black beans and cannellini beans, and drain them. Rinse thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear and then shake off the excess liquid.
6
Add the rinsed beans to the bowl containing edamame and corn.
7
Fold in the diced red pepper gently into the mixture.
8
Add fresh dill to taste, using scissors to cut it directly into the bowl for even distribution.
9
Drizzle the lime juice and Italian dressing over the mix. Adjust the dressing quantity to minimize added salt and fat as desired.
10
Season with ground pepper according to your preference.
11
For an extra creamy touch, chop an avocado and gently fold it into the salad just before serving.
12
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Edamame & Bean Salad?
It is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring protein-packed edamame, hearty beans, sweet corn, and a zesty lime dressing.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this salad is completely vegan.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the optional avocado.
What are the primary protein sources in this salad?
The main protein sources are shelled edamame, black beans, and cannellini beans.
How do I cook the frozen edamame?
Place the shelled edamame in a microwave-safe dish with a few tablespoons of water, cover, and microwave for about 4 minutes.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes, you can substitute 1-2 tablespoons of dried dill for the 1/4 cup of fresh dill.
What type of corn should I use?
The recipe suggests using 15 ounces of shoepeg or white corn.
Why should I rinse the canned beans and corn?
Rinsing helps to remove excess sodium and ensures the vegetables are chilled and clean.
How should I prepare the red pepper?
The large red pepper should be diced into small cubes.
What kind of dressing is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of Italian dressing, which can be lite or regular.
When is the best time to add the avocado?
The avocado should be chopped and gently folded in just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
How much lime juice is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep and can be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a cold salad; you should rinse the cooked edamame and corn in cold water to chill them.
How do I reduce the sodium in this recipe?
Opt for unsalted ingredients, rinse canned items well, and adjust the amount of Italian dressing used.
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, while black and cannellini beans are called for, you can substitute other hearty beans of your choice.
What is the easiest way to add the dill?
You can use scissors to cut the fresh dill directly into the bowl for even distribution.
Is this recipe suitable for a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a refreshing side dish or a fulfilling main course.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your Italian dressing is certified gluten-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What size microwave dish should I use for the edamame?
A 2-quart Pyrex glass dish works well for cooking the edamame.
Can I add extra spice to the salad?
Yes, you can season with extra ground black pepper to your preference or add chili flakes for heat.
Is the avocado mandatory?
No, the avocado is an optional addition for an extra creamy touch.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need a microwave-safe dish, a colander, a knife for dicing, and a serving bowl.
Does this salad contain cholesterol?
As a plant-based recipe, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Is this salad good for picnics?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or outdoor events.
How much edamame is required?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of shelled frozen edamame.
Can I use a green pepper instead of a red pepper?
Yes, though red pepper is suggested for its color and sweetness.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, the ingredients can easily be doubled to accommodate more servings.