Edamame Cucumber Tahini Sesame Salad

A protein-packed edamame and cucumber salad tossed in a nutty tahini sesame dressing.

This simple salad makes a great side dish or appetizer. It’s light, crisp, and easy to make.

It uses tahini for the dressing, which I happen to have plenty of leftover from making viral Dubai chocolate bars.

What You Will Need

• Cucumbers – Use Persian or English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a better crisp texture. American cucumbers work in a pinch, but since they have a waxy skin, make sure to peel them first. You may also need to remove the seeds, as they tend to be quite watery inside.
• Edamame – Tender young soybeans packed with protein and a mild, nutty flavor. They’re available uncooked, cooked, or pre-shelled. You can find them in the freezer section of most Asian grocery stores.
• Tahini and honey – Tahini is a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds, commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. It adds a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Because tahini can taste slightly bitter, a touch of honey helps balance it out. In a pinch, you can substitute with Chinese sesame paste or even peanut butter.
• Light soy sauce – Provides saltiness and umami.
• Vinegar – Adds the mild acidity to balance flavors. I’m using Chinese black vinegar but you can sub with distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar.
• Sesame oil – For that signature toasted sesame aroma.
• Red onion or shallot – Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor.
• Cilantro or green onions – Garnish that adds freshness and color.
• Toasted sesame seeds – A final sprinkle for texture and extra nuttiness.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers

Slice cucumbers thinly (about ⅛ inch thick). A mandolin works great if you have one for even and pretty slices.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust to taste if needed.

Storage

You can make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge in an air tight container. It will keep well for a few hours without being too runny.

Optional Add-Ons

• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• If you’re not a fan of fresh, herby toppings like green onions or cilantro, try everything bagel seasoning or furikake rice seasoning. Both work really well!
• Want extra plant protein? Fried tofu cubes are your friend.

More Cucumber Salads

Looking for more cucumber salad ideas? Check these out.

• Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono) – a similar cucumber salad without the creaminess of tahini
• Cucumber salad with mayo
• Kimchi cucumber salad – great if you like a Korean spicy kick
• Vietnamese cucumber salad with shrimp – a heartier version