High-Protein Asian Salad with Quinoa, Edamame, and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
This vibrant Salad with Asian Dressing is a high-protein, nutrient-packed meal that combines fresh vegetables, quinoa, and edamame with a flavorful tamari and toasted sesame oil dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or meal prep, it offers a refreshing crunch and a satisfying blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, ready in just 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1/4 cup tamari (or soy sauce, preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (or sesame oil)
Salad
- 2 cups chopped cucumber (about 1 large)
- 2 cups chopped celery (about 6 ribs)
- 2 cups sweet green peas (frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups shelled edamame (frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups cooked quinoa (from 2/3 cup dry)
- 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped scallion
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh lime juice (to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil until well combined and smooth.
- Option 1 – Meal-Prep Salad Jars: Divide the dressing evenly among four 16-ounce mason jars (about 1/4 cup per jar). Layer in each jar ½ cup chopped cucumber, ½ cup chopped celery, ½ cup green peas, ½ cup edamame, ½ cup cooked quinoa, ½ cup chopped spinach, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons chopped scallion, and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds. Seal the jars and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Before serving, shake the jar well to mix. Add fresh lime juice to taste.
- Option 2 – Large Bowl Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, celery, green peas, edamame, cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, cilantro, scallion, and toasted sesame seeds. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Add fresh lime juice to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use low sodium tamari or soy sauce to control salt levels.
- For added protein, ensure quinoa and edamame are well cooked and thawed before using.
- This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days when prepared in jars.
- Add fresh lime juice just before serving to maintain brightness.
- Optional: Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts for added texture.
Keywords: Asian dressing salad, high protein salad, quinoa salad, edamame salad, healthy meal prep, vegetarian salad, quick salad recipe
