Gluten Free Brown Rice Edamame Salad
This hearty grain salad is the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation — colorful, satisfying, and packed with texture from edamame, shredded carrots, and cool cucumber. The dressing is where it really sings: tamari, toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, and a touch of honey come together into something tangy, savory, and just a little sweet. Using tamari instead of regular soy sauce is the key move here, since it delivers that same deep umami flavor without any wheat hiding in the bottle. Letting the brown rice cool before tossing everything together keeps the salad from turning soggy and helps each grain stay distinct and fluffy. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top adds a satisfying crunch that ties the whole bowl together. This recipe serves four and works beautifully as a make-ahead lunch or a laid-back weeknight dinner — it's just as good chilled straight from the fridge as it is at room temperature.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups frozen shelled edamame, thawed
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 1 medium cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp tamari
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado or canola oil)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
For serving
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the brown rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and cook until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, about 40–45 minutes.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice steam, covered, for 10 minutes. Spread the rice in an even layer in a large mixing bowl and let it cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes, fluffing occasionally with a fork.
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