Name: Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 15 oz); 1 cup shelled edamame (cooked); 2 cups shredded cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 4 green onions, thinly sliced; Roasted peanuts or almonds, chopped, optional, about 1/4 cup; 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 (honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar); 1 teaspoon chili crisp or chili flakes (adjust to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, nutritious dish that excites your taste buds and fills you up with wholesome goodness, the Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad is exactly what you need. This salad combines hearty chickpeas and edamame with crisp shredded cabbage and carrots, all lovingly tossed in a bold miso sesame dressing that brings a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. Every bite delivers a delightful texture and an explosion of umami, making the Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad a standout for lunches, dinners, or as a star side dish at your next gathering.

Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh, and colorful ingredients is the first step to nailing this salad. Each item plays a crucial role: from the creamy chickpeas adding substance, to the crunchy cabbage providing texture and freshness, and the dressing melding it all together with its trademark savory-sesame punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chickpeas: A can, drained and rinsed, adds protein and a lovely creamy bite.
Shelled edamame: One cup for a bright green, slightly sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with the beans.
Shredded cabbage: Two cups; it adds crispness and volume to the salad.
Shredded carrots: One cup for a sweet, vibrant pop of color and texture.
Green onions: Four, thinly sliced, lend a fresh oniony sharpness.
Roasted peanuts or almonds (optional): Chopped for a bit of nutty crunch on top.
White or chickpea miso: Three tablespoons; this is the soul of your dressing, delivering umami richness.
Tamari: Two tablespoons, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, it amps up the savory depth.
Rice vinegar: Two tablespoons, adding a lovely, tangy brightness that balances the miso.
Roasted sesame seeds: Two tablespoons for toasty flavor and texture.
Lime juice: One tablespoon which brings fresh acidity and lively brightness.
Toasted sesame oil: One teaspoon, infusing the dressing with signature nutty aroma.
Sweetener: One teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to mellow and harmonize the flavors.
Chili crisp or chili flakes: One teaspoon to add just the right amount of heat; adjust according to taste.

How to Make Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Begin by combining the heart of the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Toss together the drained chickpeas, shelled edamame, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced green onions. This is where the robust texture and vibrant colors come together, making your salad visually enticing and full of varied mouthfeels.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Miso Sesame Dressing

In a smaller bowl, bring your dressing to life by mixing the white or chickpea miso with tamari, rice vinegar, roasted sesame seeds, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, your choice of sweetener, and chili crisp or flakes. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and glossy. This dressing is truly the magic that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful salad sensation.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the luscious miso sesame dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in the savory and tangy mixture. This step ensures a harmony of flavors and textures with every single bite of the Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad.

Step 4: Garnish and Chill

Transfer your salad to serving bowls and sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts or almonds if you want an added crunch and nutty flavor. You can serve it right away or let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify beautifully.

How to Serve Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the salad’s appeal and add exciting contrasts. Consider sprinkling more toasted sesame seeds or a handful of finely chopped fresh cilantro to add herbal freshness. Crispy seaweed flakes or a drizzle of extra chili crisp can also add an intriguing punch that your taste buds will adore.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a main or a side. Pair it with a warm grain like quinoa or brown rice for a hearty, balanced meal. It also complements freshly steamed dumplings, grilled tofu, or miso-glazed salmon for a more substantial feast that highlights Asian-inspired flavors harmoniously.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad in individual mason jars for an on-the-go lunch, or arrange it artistically on a large platter topped with colorful edible flowers for entertaining guests. You can even stuff it into crisp lettuce cups for a fun and interactive appetizer that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad stores wonderfully in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the dressing may continue to soften the veggies over time, so if you prefer extra crunch, add any garnishes like nuts just before serving.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and the dressing’s delicate nature, freezing the Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad isn’t recommended. The texture of the cabbage and carrots may become mushy after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you want a warm option, gently warm a portion of the beans separately and then toss with the salad base and dressing before serving—just avoid reheating the entire salad to preserve that crisp texture and fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this salad?

Absolutely! While chickpeas and edamame are classic choices for their texture and protein, you can swap in black beans, kidney beans, or even lentils to mix things up depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?

Yes, the Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad is naturally vegan, especially if you choose a sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar in the dressing instead of honey. It’s a perfect plant-based option to keep your meals wholesome and exciting.

How spicy is this salad?

The chili crisp or flakes add a mild heat that can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer less spice, start with a smaller amount and add more gradually. The balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy keeps the flavors lively but never overpowering.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a picnic or party?

Definitely! The Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad holds up well and actually tastes better after the flavors meld for half an hour or more. Just keep garnishes separate until serving to maintain their crunch and freshness.

What if I don’t have tamari; can I use regular soy sauce?

Yes, you can substitute tamari with regular soy sauce, but keep in mind tamari is usually gluten-free and has a slightly richer flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re concerned about saltiness, adjusting to taste.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the joy of fresh flavors and hearty textures with the Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad. Its vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and deeply savory dressing make it a dish you’ll want to return to time and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a nutritious meal, this salad proves that healthy food can be unbelievably delicious and exciting. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!

Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and nutritious Miso Sesame Dense Bean Salad combining chickpeas, edamame, and fresh vegetables with a flavorful miso sesame dressing. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, making it a perfect quick meal or healthy meal prep option.

Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, shelled edamame, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the white or chickpea miso, tamari, rice vinegar, roasted sesame seeds, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, sweetener, and chili crisp or chili flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently yet thoroughly to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to serving bowls and garnish with chopped roasted peanuts or almonds, if desired, adding a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
Chill for Best Flavor: Serve immediately for a fresh taste, or refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead or meal prep dish.

Notes

For a vegan version, use maple syrup or coconut sugar as the sweetener instead of honey.
Adjust chili crisp or chili flakes according to your desired spice level.
Edamame should be cooked and shelled before using; frozen edamame is a convenient option.
The salad holds well refrigerated and flavors improve after chilling.
Add toasted nuts just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (to cook and shell edamame if needed)
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook / Mixing
Cuisine: Asian-inspired