Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad – Easy Umami Recipe

Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad is a colorful, nutritious dish that brightens up any meal. This delightful salad combines the creaminess of miso with crunchy vegetables and protein-rich beans, making it not just satisfying but also packed with flavor! Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a refreshing side for dinner, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a wholesome, delicious option.

What exactly is Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad, you may wonder? It’s a vibrant mix of chickpeas, edamame, shredded cabbage, and carrots, all tossed in a savory dressing that stars miso as its hero. Originating from Japanese cuisine, miso adds a depth of umami flavor that surprises and delights the taste buds. The beauty of this salad lies in its comforting texture and the balance of flavors; it’s both earthy and fresh, making every bite a joy.

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and speed. It requires minimal prep and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s wallet-friendly and offers a generous serving of colorful veggies and protein. The best part? This Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad is so versatile that it can easily be adapted to fit your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand.

Quick overview

Making Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad is straightforward and requires no cooking—just chop, whisk, and toss! You’ll need a large mixing bowl and a whisk, and the entire process takes about 20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy your meal without fuss.

Ingredients

• . 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• . 1 cup shelled edamame
• . 2 cups shredded cabbage
• . 1 cup shredded carrots
• . 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• . Roasted peanuts or almonds, chopped (optional)
• . 3 tablespoons white or chickpea miso
• . 2 tablespoons tamari
• . 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• . 2 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds
• . 1 tablespoon lime juice
• . 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• . 1 teaspoon sweetener (like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar)
• . 1 teaspoon chili crisp or chili flakes (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, shelled edamame, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the miso, tamari, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, sweetener, and chili crisp or chili flakes until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
4. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with chopped roasted peanuts or almonds, if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep dish.

What to serve with Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad

This Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a tangy tofu dish. You could also serve it alongside a light cucumber salad or a refreshing fruit salsa for a complete meal. A chilled glass of ginger lemonade or a green tea complements this dish nicely, enhancing the umami flavors while keeping things light and bright.

Top tips for perfecting Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad

1. Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to swap out the cabbage and carrots for your favorite crunchy veggies, like bell peppers, radishes, or even snap peas.
2. Miso Variety: White miso is milder and sweeter, while red miso has a more intense flavor. Choose based on your preference!
3. Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken or tofu for added protein to make it a complete meal.
4. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together.
5. Peanut Allergy? If you need to avoid nuts, try sunflower seeds for a similar crunch or skip nuts altogether!
6. Make It Spicier: Adjust the heat by playing with the chili crisp or chili flakes; add more for a spicy kick!
7. Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest veggies possible for the best flavor and texture.

Storing and reheating tips

Leftovers of your Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no need to reheat! Just give it a good toss before serving again. If you find yourself with more salad than you can eat, consider freezing the beans separately to maintain the best texture.

FAQs

Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad

A vibrant, nutritious salad combining miso with crunchy vegetables and protein-rich beans, perfect for a quick lunch or refreshing side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Japanese, Vegan

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shelled edamame
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• Roasted peanuts or almonds, chopped (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons white or chickpea miso
• 2 tablespoons tamari
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sweetener (like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar)
• 1 teaspoon chili crisp or chili flakes (to taste)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, shelled edamame, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the miso, tamari, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, sweetener, and chili crisp or chili flakes until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
4. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with chopped roasted peanuts or almonds, if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a tangy tofu dish. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Consider chilling the salad for enhanced flavors.

Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad is not just a salad; it’s an explosion of flavor that celebrates fresh, healthy ingredients. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or just need a quick lunch, you won’t regret giving this recipe a whirl. With its delightful crunch, savory dressing, and vibrant colors, it’s a must-try that will surely impress at any table. So go ahead and make your very own Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad today!

More Resources

• Asian Bean Salad
• Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad
• 3-Bean Salad
• Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
• The Ultimate Guide to Bean Salad: 15+ Healthy, Flavorful Recipes
• Cowboy Caviar
• Miso – Wikipedia
• Sesame Seeds – Health Benefits (Healthline)
• Soy-Based Foods – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• Beans and Legumes – MedlinePlus