Edamame & Quinoa Power Salad
This vibrant Edamame & Quinoa Power Salad is a perfect meal-prep solution, combining two complete plant proteins with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon-herb dressing for a satisfying and nutritious dish.
For 4 servings
Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. Combine rinsed quinoa and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and spread on a plate to cool completely.
While quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables: dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely dice the red onion. Chop the fresh parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, thawed shelled edamame, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and finely diced red onion.
Pour the prepared dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Add the chopped fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure the feta is distributed throughout the salad.
Serve immediately for best texture, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This salad is excellent for meal prepping and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For meal prep, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp, especially if you prefer a firmer texture.
- 2Ensure your quinoa is completely cooled before mixing with other ingredients; warm quinoa can make the salad soggy and affect the texture of the vegetables.
- 3If you don't have fresh lemon, apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute for the dressing, offering a similar tang.
- 4To thaw frozen edamame quickly, simply run it under cold water in a colander for a few minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken, canned chickpeas, or black beans for an additional protein source, making it even more substantial.
Vegetable SwapVegetable Swap
Incorporate other colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, corn, shredded carrots, or spinach to vary the nutrients and textures.
Dressing Change upDressing Change-up
Experiment with a tahini-lemon dressing, a balsamic vinaigrette, or a creamy avocado-lime dressing for different flavor profiles.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Quinoa and edamame are both complete proteins, providing all nine essential amino acids, crucial for muscle repair and overall body function.
High in Fiber
This salad is packed with dietary fiber from quinoa, edamame, and vegetables, aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Abundant in Vitamins and Minerals
With ingredients like bell peppers, cucumber, and parsley, it offers a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, magnesium, and iron, supporting immune health and energy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep! You can prepare it up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld and improve over time.
