This Easy Miso Sesame Bean Salad combines crunchy green beans and crispy cucumbers, dressed in a tangy miso and sesame mix. It’s fresh, bright, and oh-so colorful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Edamame: This is a crucial ingredient for protein and texture. If you can’t find edamame, you can substitute with peas or boiled chickpeas. They won’t have the same taste but will keep it healthy!
Green Beans: Fresh green beans bring crunch to the salad. If they’re not available, try using snap peas or even zucchini, sliced thinly. They’ll still add a great pop of color!
Cucumber: For refreshing crispness, cucumber is key! If you’re looking for a different flavor, you might use radishes for a peppery kick or bell peppers for more crunch.
White Miso Paste: This gives the salad its umami flavor. If you don’t have it, try using tahini or even a tablespoon of peanut butter mixed with a bit of soy sauce for a different twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Dressing is Well Mixed?
Getting the dressing perfectly blended is key for flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a small bowl for the dressing to keep it concentrated.
- Whisk the miso, soy sauce, vinegar, and oil together vigorously until smooth. You can also use a jar with a tight lid—just shake it up!
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
Allowing the salad to sit briefly helps all those flavors thrive. But if you dress it too early, your greens could become soggy. Enjoy your fresh and colorful salad!
How to Make Easy Miso Sesame Bean Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Beans and Vegetables:
- 1 cup shelled edamame (cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup fresh green beans, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cucumber, chopped into small cubes
- 1/2 cup white beans (canned and drained or cooked from dry)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for slight sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and gather your ingredients. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld after assembling. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in just about half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Vegetables:
Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Cut the green beans into bite-sized pieces, cube the cucumber, and thinly slice the green and red onions. Set these aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine the Beans and Veggies:
In the large mixing bowl, add the shelled edamame, green beans, cucumber, white beans, cilantro, green onions, and red onion. Give everything a good mix to incorporate all those lovely colors and textures!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey (if using) until smooth. This dressing is where all the flavor magic happens!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the mixed beans and vegetables. Toss everything gently to ensure each piece is coated with the delicious dressing.
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad and mix gently again. This adds a lovely crunch!
6. Season to Taste:
Take a moment to taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ensure it’s perfectly flavorful for your liking.
7. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors come together beautifully. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, whichever you prefer!
This Easy Miso Sesame Bean Salad is a fantastic side dish, loaded with vibrant veggies and fulfilling beans. Enjoy each crunchy, tasty bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Edamame for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen edamame works just as well! Just be sure to cook and cool it before adding to the salad. You can quickly thaw it by running hot water over the beans or microwaving them for a minute.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just dress it right before serving to keep the veggies crisp. If you need to, store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, be mindful that the veggies may lose some crunch over time. Give it a gentle toss and maybe add a few fresh ingredients to perk it up when serving.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This salad is so versatile. Feel free to add bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even avocado for extra creaminess. Just chop them into small pieces to maintain that wonderful texture!
