If you’re looking for the perfect edamame salad recipe, this Summer Corn & Edamame Salad hits all the right notes. With tender edamame, crisp sweet corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a simple white balsamic vinaigrette, this edamame salad is easy and hearty – plus, it’s an amazing meal-prep salad, awesome for making ahead of time.
Table of Contents
- The Story Behind the Recipe
- Edamame Salad Ingredients
- Adaptations & Variations
- How to Make Summer Corn & Edamame Salad
- How to Store Edamame Salad
- Tips for Success
- More Summer Salads
The Story Behind the Recipe
I developed this recipe in the height of summer, when the last thing I wanted was to be stuck in the kitchen. I just wanted to be outside enjoying the sunny weather (which can be very fleeting in the Pacific Northwest!)
I wanted to make sort of a cold succotash situation (traditionally made with corn, tomatoes, and lima beans). Succotash is so colorful and screams summer!
I loved this edamame and corn salad from the first time I whipped it up. It was satiating without being heavy (thank you edamame for being an excellent protein source!) I also loved that it could sit in the fridge for a handful of days, ready for quick meals and snacks whenever I am.
The crunchy sweet corn and juicy tomatoes pair perfectly with protein-rich edamame. And I love the bite that a bit of red onion and some freshly ground black pepper lend to the whole deal.
Edamame Salad Ingredients
So what’s in this edamame salad?
- Corn – Fresh off the cob, if possible, but thawed frozen corn will work just fine, too
- Cherry tomatoes – Halved. Grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes will work, too.
- Edamame – Either the fresh stuff bought in the refrigerator section (Trader Joe’s has a version that I recently tried and it was so good!) Or, start with frozen shelled edamame, then cook and cool it.
- Red onion – I like the tender crunch and flavor from a bit of diced onion. Plus, the purple color of mild red onions looks so pretty with the red, yellow, and green!
- Basil – What’s a summer salad without fresh basil?! If you don’t have any on hand, parsley or even cilantro will do in a pinch.
- Olive oil
- White balsamic vinegar – I love the pungent yet lighter taste of white balsamic. White wine vinegar will work, too.
- Salt & pepper
Adaptations & Variations
- Add avocado: One reader reports adding avocado, which I think it an amazing addition. I just suggest adding the avocado right before serving this salad, so that the avocado doesn’t brown.
- Add feta: If you’re not eating vegan and dairy is okay, add a few crumbles of feta cheese for a salty, creamy addition.
- Add cilantro & lime juice: One reader adds cilantro and lime juice for a spin on this salad that I can’t wait to try! I might add a few jalapeños when I try this adaptation, too.
How to Make Summer Corn & Edamame Salad
First, cook the corn and the edamame. Set a large pot of water over high heat, and cook the corn until tender. Remove the corn and, add the edamame, then drain and cool.
Cut the kernels off the cob. Add them to a large bowl along with the edamame, cherry tomatoes, onion, and basil.
Then, drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar, along with some salt and pepper. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired. Serve now or chill and serve later!
How to Store Edamame Salad
This corn & edamame salad keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just keep it in an airtight container with a lid.
Tips for Success
- Let the corn and edamame cool completely before adding to the salad with the other ingredients. Otherwise the heat could affect the tomatoes and onion.
- Shortcut ideas: Go with refrigerated shelled edamame and frozen thawed corn for a completely no-cook situation. Summertime win!
I love this edamame succotash salad all by itself for a simple and satisfying lunch or dinner, but it’s also a great side – especially for potlucks.
Best of all, hardly any time in the kitchen is needed, and this corn salad is perfect for meal prep too. More time outside in the sun!
More Summer Salads
- Caprese Panzanella
- Strawberry Caprese
- Summer Fruit Salad
- Grilled Halloumi & Peach Salad
- Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad
Summer Corn & Edamame Salad
Ingredients
- 2 ears fresh sweet corn (husks and silk removed [or about 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed])
- 10 ounces frozen shelled edamame (1 bag)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (10 ounces or about 1 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 small red onion (diced)
- 5-6 medium basil leaves (chiffonaded)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
Instructions
- Set a large pot of water over high heat. Bring to a boil. Carefully add the corn cobs. Boil for three minutes. Remove with tongs and set aside to cool a bit. Add the edamame. Cook for three minutes. Drain and let cool for a bit.
- Cut the corn kernels off the cob (I set it on end and use a large, sharp chef’s knife. Be careful!) Add them to the bowl along with the cooled edamame. Add the cherry tomatoes, onion, and basil.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Toss well. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Keeps well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed, instead of corn on the cob.
- Use fresh refrigerated edamame instead of frozen (I’ve seen it at Trader Joe’s)
This looks beautiful and really delicious! I love salads for summer that are mix of things other than greens. Thank you for posting it. I’m definitely going to give this a try!
This summer salad is absolutely amazing! It’s so easy to make and tastes like summer. It’s my go-to dish when I have to bring something to a party or cookout.
Oh I’m so glad to hear that! Sometimes I publish recipes and I wonder if anyone has ever tried them. This one is one I loved but I wasn’t sure if any readers had tried it … so I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and review. Thank you thank you!
Yum
I love this salad… BUT I make it with a lot less hassle & by the ton. I don’t cook or defrost anything. I just dump 2 bags of TJs frozen shelled Edamame (12 oz each) & 1 – 16 oz bag of their roasted corn (yummy smoky flavor with the roasted corn), olive oil, white balsamic vinegar (both to taste), the minced red onion & loads of fresh basil, pepper & salt in a huge bowl. I always add a small amount of sugar (1 tsp +/-) to add a bit of sweet to the vinegar. I stir it all up & VOILA! I can keep this mega meal in the fridge for up to a week. I never add the tomatoes in until I am ready to eat it or they get gushy & gross. But I have sometimes added in a bit of cheese, or avocado, or whatever I happen to have on hand to change it up a bit. It is also fabulous to take in the car still frozen… by the time you get where you are going it is cold but thawed & delicious! Excellent complete protein and so yummy!
Wow, thanks so much for the ideas! Love it. I can’t wait to try some of them.
A variation of this salad has been my go-to for the last 10 years! The only thing I add is Cilantro and Lime juice. It really does taste like summer! The best!
Yum!
This is amazing. I’ve made it twice and my 4 year old is obsessed with it. I made one modification by way of a thyme-infused white balsamic vinegar. Another time, we also added mint. This salad is versatile enough that you can make substitutions if you wish.
HIGHLY recommend this!
Hi Nat! I’m so jealous your 4-year-old will eat it. My kid would say something like, “That looks good! FOR YOU.” lol. I’m so glad this one is a hit. I also need to get my hands on a thyme-infused white balsamic because yum. Thank you so much for coming back and leaving a review!
I love, love, LOVE this recipe! I have been making it for years. Great to take to cookouts and just to have on hand in the fridge for lunch.
I’m so glad this one is a hit for you! Thank you so much for the review and I hope you are having a wonderful summer. 🙂
Top notch!
Ridiculously delicious. Into the regular rotation it goes. Tastes like a big bowl full of summer! And all ingredients I had on hand. Love!!!