Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens Recipe

This delightful edamame salad with baby beets and greens is a refreshing and nourishing dish. It's filled with vibrant flavours from fresh ingredients like edamame, beets, and scallions. The dressing gives it an Asian-inspired twist. It's light, yet satisfying, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Photos of Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this salad are commonly found, edamame might not be in your regular grocery list. Edamame are young soybeans, often found in the freezer section of supermarkets. They are sold either in their pods or shelled. For this recipe, we need shelled edamame. Also, baby beets are smaller and sweeter than their larger counterparts, and can be found in the fresh produce section.

Edamame Salad Ingredients with Baby Beets and Greens

Beets: These root vegetables are earthy and sweet. Baby beets are used in this recipe for their tender texture and sweeter flavor.

Edamame: These are young soybeans and have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. They also provide a good amount of plant-based protein.

Rice vinegar: This gives a tangy balance to the dish.

Soy sauce: It adds a savory, umami flavor.

Asian sesame oil: It imparts a rich, nutty flavor.

Fresh ginger: It gives a spicy and aromatic note.

Scallions: These are milder than onions and add a nice crunch.

Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a sweet, minty flavor.

One reader, Hale Mcbee says:

This edamame salad with baby beets and greens recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The edamame adds a delightful crunch, and the baby beets bring a touch of sweetness. It's a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!

Hale Mcbee

Techniques Required

How to steam beets: Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan over 1/2 inch of water and bring to a boil. Add the beets, cover, and cook over moderate heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Check the water level in the pan halfway through steaming and add more as needed. Transfer the beets to a plate.

How to steam edamame: Steam the edamame in the same steamer basket until tender, about 5 minutes. Rinse the edamame in cold water to cool, then pat dry with paper towels.

How to prepare dressing: In a medium bowl, stir the rice vinegar with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger.

How to assemble salad: Add the edamame, beets, scallions, and beet greens to the dressing and toss to coat. Sprinkle the basil on top before serving.

How To Make Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens

Bitter beets, sweet edamame, and slightly minty basil tossed in a tangy-savory dressing makes this edamame salad a truly flavorful and light meal!

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4small beets,(1 oz each)
2cupsedamame,(½ lb), shelled
1tbsprice vinegar
2tspsoy sauce
1½tspasian sesame oil
1tspfresh ginger,finely grated
2scallions
1tbspbasil,julienned

Instructions

In a large saucepan, set a steamer basket over ½ inch of water and bring to a boil. Add the beets, cover and cook over moderate heat for about 20 minutes, until tender.
Check the water level in the pan halfway through steaming and add more as needed. Transfer the beets to a plate.
Steam the edamame in the same steamer basket for about 5 minutes, until tender.
Rinse the edamame in cold water to cool, then pat dry with paper towels. Peel and cut the beets into wedges.
In a medium bowl, stir the rice vinegar with the soy sauce, sesame oil and grated ginger. Add the edamame, beets, scallions and beet greens and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the basil on top before serving, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 111.29kcal
Fat: 4.62g
Saturated Fat: 0.26g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.70g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.76g
Carbohydrates: 11.73g
Fiber: 4.79g
Sugar: 5.82g
Protein: 7.42g
Sodium: 198.44mg
Calcium: 52.99mg
Potassium: 520.59mg
Iron: 1.91mg
Vitamin A: 6.73µg
Vitamin C: 10.29mg

Technique Tip for Enhancing Flavors in Edamame Salad

When steaming your beets and edamame, ensure that the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. This will prevent the vegetables from becoming waterlogged and losing their vibrant color and crisp texture. Additionally, when peeling the beets, consider wearing kitchen gloves to avoid staining your hands with beet juice.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the beets and edamame a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.

Multi-task: While the beets are steaming, you can start preparing the edamame to save time.

Use pre-cooked beets: If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked beets to skip the steaming process.

Quick cooling: Speed up the cooling process of the edamame by placing them in an ice bath to save time.

Efficient chopping: Use a sharp knife and proper cutting techniques to efficiently chop the beets and scallions for quicker preparation.

Organized workspace: Keep all your ingredients and tools organized and within reach to streamline the cooking process.

Prep in bulk: Consider making a larger batch of the salad and storing it for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Substitute Ingredients For Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens Recipe

edamame - Substitute with fava beans: Fava beans have a similar nutty flavor and firm texture, making them a great alternative to edamame in this salad.
baby beets - Substitute with roasted carrots: Roasted carrots can provide a similar earthy sweetness and vibrant color to the salad, while adding a different texture and flavor profile.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a slightly fruity and tangy flavor that can complement the salad dressing, similar to rice vinegar.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and provides a rich umami flavor, enhancing the dressing in the salad.
asian sesame oil - Substitute with toasted walnut oil: Toasted walnut oil can add a nutty aroma and depth of flavor, similar to sesame oil, while bringing a unique twist to the salad.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a warm and spicy flavor to the dressing.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color, similar to scallions, to garnish the salad.
basil - Substitute with mint: Mint can provide a refreshing and aromatic element to the salad, complementing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Plating Ideas for a Vibrant Edamame Salad

Elevate the plating: Arrange the edamame salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that the beets, edamame, and greens are evenly distributed and create a balanced composition on the plate.
Incorporate contrasting colors: Utilize the vibrant hues of the beets, edamame, and greens to create a visually striking and appetizing presentation that showcases the natural beauty of the ingredients.
Focus on precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each element, ensuring that the beets are delicately arranged and the edamame and greens are artfully positioned to create an aesthetically pleasing dish.
Emphasize texture: Highlight the contrasting textures of the ingredients by layering the tender beets, crisp edamame, and delicate greens to add depth and dimension to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors and textures of the edamame salad to stand out, creating a visually captivating presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens

Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and often a lid, used for boiling, stewing, or making sauces.
Steamer basket: A basket used to hold food while it is being steamed, allowing the steam to cook the food evenly.
Plate: A flat dish on which food is served or from which it is eaten.
Paper towels: Absorbent towels made from paper, used for drying or cleaning.
Bowl: A round, deep dish or basin used for serving food.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing foods.

How To Store / Freeze Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens

To store the edamame salad in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container and keep it chilled for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to freeze the salad, it's best to do so before adding the scallions and basil. These fresh herbs tend to lose their flavor and texture when frozen.
To freeze, transfer the salad (minus the herbs) to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Label the container with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen salad, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, give it a good stir and add freshly chopped scallions and basil before serving.
If the salad seems a bit watery after thawing, you can drain off the excess liquid or add a bit more rice vinegar and soy sauce to taste, to help revive the flavors.
For optimal texture, it's best to consume the thawed salad within 1-2 days. The beets and edamame may soften slightly after freezing and thawing, but the overall taste should still be enjoyable.

How To Reheat Leftovers

To reheat leftover edamame salad with baby beets and greens, start by removing the salad from the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the flavors to meld together and the salad to warm up slightly.
If you prefer your salad to be served warm, you can gently reheat it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the salad from drying out. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the salad reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the salad, as this can cause the edamame and beets to become mushy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the salad in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of sesame oil or water to the skillet to prevent sticking and to help steam the salad. Stir the salad gently as it reheats, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat more precisely and helps to maintain the texture of the vegetables.
If you find that the salad has dried out slightly during storage, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or soy sauce to help revive the flavors and add moisture back into the dish.
Once the salad is reheated, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a sprinkle of fresh basil or scallions on top to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh element to the dish.
Serve the reheated edamame salad with baby beets and greens immediately, while it's still warm. Enjoy your delicious and healthy leftover salad!

Random Fact about Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens

The edamame salad with baby beets and greens is a nutritious and delicious dish that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. This salad is a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Edamame, also known as young soybeans, is a complete source of protein and provides all the essential amino acids. Additionally, beets are high in immune-boosting vitamin C and essential minerals like potassium and manganese. This salad is not only tasty but also incredibly good for you, providing a range of health benefits.

Is This Salad Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

This edamame salad with baby beets and greens recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as beets and edamame, are generally affordable and widely available. The use of simple, fresh ingredients makes this recipe budget-friendly. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical and nutritious choice.

Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This edamame salad with baby beets and greens recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. Here's why:

Edamame is a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
Beets are rich in folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C, and they contain nitrates that can help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance
The recipe uses minimal oil and relies on healthy seasonings like rice vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger for flavor
Scallions and basil add fresh, aromatic notes while providing additional vitamins and antioxidants

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
Add more leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to increase the fiber and nutrient density
Incorporate additional raw or lightly cooked vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers for added crunch and variety
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as cilantro, mint, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor profile without relying on salt or oil
Serve the salad over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial meal that includes complex carbohydrates

By making these small adjustments, you can elevate this already healthy salad into an even more nutrient-packed and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side to a larger meal.

Editor's Thoughts on This Vibrant Salad Combination

The combination of earthy beets, vibrant edamame, and aromatic ginger in this salad creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The use of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil adds a depth of umami and tangy notes, while the julienned basil provides a fresh, herbaceous finish. The dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. However, to enhance the overall presentation, consider incorporating a variety of baby greens for added color and texture. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and healthy option for a light meal or side dish.

Enhance Your Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the edamame salad

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, a refreshing side dish to accompany the edamame salad

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors of the edamame salad

Similar Salad Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Platter: Create a colorful and flavorful grilled vegetable platter with a variety of seasonal vegetables, drizzled with a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Marinate chicken in a zesty mango salsa and grill to perfection for a juicy and tropical-inspired main dish.

Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: Simmer red lentils in a fragrant coconut curry broth with a mix of spices and vegetables for a comforting and hearty soup option.

Berry Chia Seed Pudding: Mix chia seeds with your favorite berries and almond milk for a nutritious and delicious pudding that can be enjoyed as a healthy dessert or breakfast option.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and satisfying appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters for a light and tasty appetizer. Grated zucchini is mixed with herbs and spices, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. Serve with a dollop of creamy yogurt sauce for a delightful bite-sized treat.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layered with creamy yogurt, fresh berries, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors and a variety of textures. A refreshing and light dessert option.

Why trust this Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh, wholesome ingredients. The edamame provides a rich source of plant-based protein, while the baby beets offer a vibrant burst of color and earthy sweetness. The use of rice vinegar and soy sauce infuses the dish with a delightful umami flavor, complemented by the aromatic notes of asian sesame oil and fresh ginger. The addition of scallions and julienned basil lends a refreshing touch. Trust in the quality and balance of these ingredients to create a truly satisfying and nourishing salad.

Share your thoughts on the Edamame Salad with Baby Beets and Greens Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest.

FAQ:

How long can I store the edamame salad with baby beets and greens?

You can store the edamame salad with baby beets and greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use frozen edamame for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen edamame for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and cook them according to the package instructions before using them in the salad.

Can I substitute the baby beets with regular beets?

Yes, you can substitute the baby beets with regular beets. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as regular beets may take longer to steam until tender.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients.

Can I omit the scallions and basil?

Yes, you can omit the scallions and basil if you prefer or substitute them with other herbs or vegetables of your choice.