Easy Edamame Crunch Salad

Step 1

Pour dry quinoa and 1 cup of water into a pot with a lid, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Turn off the heat and leave the quinoa coved in the pot until you are ready to assemble the salad.

Step 2

In the meantime, add grapeseed oil to a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shiny, pour in the frozen edamame. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes, or until the edamame is warmed through. Turn off the heat.

Step 3

Whisk together peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using). Gradually stir in water as needed to reach desired consistency. (The dressing should be easy to pour but still thick and creamy.)

Step 4

Toss cooked quinoa, cooked edamame, cabbage, spinach, carrots, peanuts, and jalapeño (if using) in a large mixing bowl until mixed.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until the mixture is evenly coated.

Step 6

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with roasted peanuts, basil, cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges if desired.