Quick Edamame & Corn Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring tender edamame, sweet corn, crisp red onion, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a zesty lime vinaigrette for a quick and refreshing meal or side.
For 4 servings
Prepare edamame and corn: If using frozen edamame, cook according to package directions (typically boiling for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp). If using frozen corn, you can add it to the boiling water with the edamame for the last minute, or simply thaw it. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly.
Chop aromatics: While edamame and corn cool, finely dice the red onion and chop the fresh cilantro.
Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled edamame, corn kernels, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, maple syrup (or agave), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the edamame and corn mixture in the large bowl.
Toss and serve: Gently toss all ingredients until thoroughly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, or chill for at least 15 minutes for flavors to meld.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Freshness is Key: Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor; bottled juice often lacks the same vibrancy.
- 2Don't Overcook Edamame: Cook edamame just until tender-crisp to retain its texture and vibrant green color. Overcooking can make it mushy.
- 3Chill for Flavor: While delicious immediately, allowing the salad to chill for 15-30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld and deepen.
- 4Uniform Dice: Finely dicing the red onion ensures its flavor is distributed evenly without overpowering the other ingredients.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely minced jalapeño to the dressing for a touch of heat.
Mediterranean TwistMediterranean Twist
Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped cucumber, and cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
Grain Bowl BaseGrain Bowl Base
Serve over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to transform it into a more substantial meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant Protein
Edamame is an excellent source of complete plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Rich in Fiber
Both edamame and corn contribute significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
Vitamin C Boost
Lime juice and fresh vegetables provide a good dose of Vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, canned corn can be used. Be sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly before adding to the salad.
