Peanut Crunch Asian Edamame Quinoa Salad, Packed with Plant Protein

Peanut Crunch Asian Edamame Quinoa Salad is a meal that is as vibrant and colorful as it is nutritious -the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and good, clean fuel for your body. At just 193 calories per serving, it’s a smart choice for healthy eating without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s packed with plant protein and more that 20% of your daily fiber needs to keep you satisfied throughout the day.

PLANT PROTEIN TRIO

I love it when a plant-based salad, like this Peanut Edamame Quinoa, boasts an impressive protein content—11 grams per serving—thanks to the dynamic trio of quinoa, edamame, and peanuts. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs, making it a fantastic plant-based option. Edamame, or young soybeans, is another excellent protein source, rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. And let’s not forget the peanuts! While they add a satisfying crunch, they also contribute a dose of protein and healthy fats, balancing flavor and nutrition. Together, these three ingredients make this salad a powerhouse for muscle repair, energy, and overall health.

FRESH VEGGIE INGREDIENTS

In addition to quinoa and edamame, this peanut crunch salad recipe is loaded with fresh, colorful vegetables that bring both crunch and a wealth of vitamins and minerals.

  • Carrots: A vibrant source of beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision and skin.
  • Cucumber: Hydrating and refreshing, cucumbers add a light crunch and are rich in vitamin K.
  • Celery: Crisp and fibrous, celery is a low-calorie addition packed with antioxidants.
  • Red Onion: Adds a zesty kick while providing vitamin C and beneficial compounds that support heart health.

These ingredients don’t just make the Asian Edamame Quinoa Salad look stunning and taste so crispy fresh, they also provide essential nutrients to keep you feeling your best. If you don’t like one of these ingredients, omit or swap – this recipe is forgiving. For example, you could do green onion instead of red onion, zucchini instead of carrot, or red bell peppers instead of or in addition to the carrots!

LOW-FAT PEANUT DRESSING

I’m all about moderation, that’s why the tangy peanut dressing uses peanut butter powder to capture the nutty flavor and creaminess without the extra fat and calories that using regular peanut butter would. This smart swap keeps the Asian peanut dressing with peanut butter powder recipe irresistibly tasty while lowering the total fat content to just 5 grams per serving  — and you still get to use chopped Spanish peanut in the salad toss.

MEAL PREPPING QUINOA SALAD

This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s practical too as are basically all high-protein quinoa salads. It stays fresh and crisp in an air-tight container (these are great, reusable meal prep containers) for up to 4-5 days in the fridge, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Whip up a batch at the start of the week and enjoy it as a grab-and-go lunch or an easy dinner side. Since it’s best served cold, it’s ideal for a brown-bag lunch, an on-the-go meal, or even a quick eat-at-your-desk solution. No reheating required—just open your container and dig in! If you’d like to make it heartier, add pre-cooked protein options like grilled shrimp, chopped chicken breast or salmon bites.

Peanut Crunch Asian Edamame Quinoa Salad
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 

Vibrant, colorful, and fun to eat! This Peanut Crunch Asian Edamame Quinoa Salad is a nutrient-packed powerhouse with only 193 calories, 11g protein, and over 20% of your daily fiber needs per serving. It's great for meal prep!

Course: entree salad, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, meal prep, pot luck
Keyword: edamame, peanut butter powder, peanuts, quinoa
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 193 kcal
Ingredients
  • 2 cups COOKED Quinoa
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup shelled edamame soybeans
  • 1/3 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/3 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/3 cup chopped roasted Spanish peanuts
  • For Dressing:
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp ginger paste or fresh grated
  • 2 tsp ginger paste or fresh minced
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 2 Tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup peanut butter powder like Pbfit
Instructions
  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions to yield 2 cups cooked.
  2. Let quinoa cool to at least room temperature.
  3. In large bowl, toss together all salad ingredients.
  4. In small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients (alternately, you can shake up salad ingredients in a mason jar).
  5. Drizzle dressing over salad; stir well to distribute evenly.
  6. Best serve cold, in my opinion. Leftovers stay fresh covered in fridge for 4-5 days.
Recipe Notes

Pineapple Edamame Salad with Ginger Wasabi Cashew Butter

Sometimes the day calls for thinking creatively, especially if you remembered lastminute about an invitation to a social event where you were asked to bring a side dish. Saving the day was my Pineapple Edamame Salad with Ginger Wasabi Cashew Butter Drizzle was invented with literally what I had on hand. It’s definitely a creative fruit salad!Pineapple Edamame Salad with Ginger Wasabi Cashew Butter Drizzle

Sure, I could have stopped by the store and grabbed a bag of chips and salsa to present the hostess but, as a healthy food blogger, that usually doesn’t faire to well and sounds something like this “Oh, I was expecting you to bring one of your homemade fit and fabulous creations . . .. but this looks . .err, good,” said with manufactured enthusiasm. So, read on to get this super easy, four ingredient fruit salad recipe you can make in five minutes: Continue reading

Lean & Green Edamame Spaghetti with Kumquats – Protein Pasta

Edamame Spaghetti with Kumquats and Feta, a higher protein and gluten-free option for dinner!

So, how does a plate of pasta fit in with my higher protein diet? Let me tell you! As many of you know, I’ve been eating a higher protein diet for the last several years and really scaled back the amount of carbs that come in the form of bread, baked goods, rice . . . and pasta! You may have read one or two of my posts on the importance of protein, there have been many!

Jennifer Fisher Yoga Side Plank

A higher protein diet helps me stay lean and mean for running, Crossfit, yoga and all my other fitness endeavors. Oh yeah, and for LIFE — that especially!

As a long-time athlete, I decided it was time to take a closer look at what I’ve been eating and how wit as or was not fueling my goals. While carbs have their time and place on my plate (like leading up to and during an endurance event and, of course, pretty much any and all vegetables whenever I want), kicking up my protein intake has really helped me build some much-needed muscle I need to stay competitive as I creep up into the shadows of being 49 years old!

Explore Asian Organic, Gluten Free Pastas

So, until I recently found the Explore Asian line of higher-protein pastas, I had been eating my beef ragu on top of zucchini, my stir-fry on top of spinach and my chicken noodle soup without, err, noodles – you get the idea! As much as I love the extra servings of veggies, sometimes it’s nice and comforting to have pasta to twirl around on your fork or slurp from a spoon. Explore Asian has given me back pasta options – and options that are ridiculously healthy and can be quickly cooked into a nutritious meal that fills me up and helps me stay lean and strong. I’m winning already!

Explore Asian Organic, Gluten Free Pastas

All in all there are five flavors, but I especially love these three Explore Asian products- Black Bean Spaghetti, Edamame Spaghetti and Thai Brown Rice Noodles. Every batch is made with the finest, organic NON-GMO ingredients that are also vegan, gluten free, organic, Kosher certified and come in low on the Glycemic Index (around 20).  Additionally, Explore Asian has about 400% more protein and fiber and 60% fewer carbs than other pasta making them a great option for diabetics, vegetarians or those following a low-carb, high-protein diet!

Edamame Spaghetti with Kumquats and Feta makes a high-protein vegetarian meal.

I’m sharing a yummy, easy “pasta” recipe (Edamame Spaghetti with Kumquats) using the Edamame Spaghetti from Explore Asian the pasta, coming straight out of the bag, is simply made from edamame beans and water, that’s it!  One serving of this bean-based pasta offers 24g of protein in a 2 ounce dry serving – this is pretty much spot on with the recommended 25 – 30g recommended per meal. You don’t really need to add any additional protein, but I threw on a few extra edamame beans to get to the upper range and flavored it up with some zesty kumquats and feta cheese.

Explore Asian Edamame Spaghetti with Kumquats and Feta

The pasta is so easy to boil up too! It basically cannot be overcooked and the fiber content from the beans offers a great texture that keeps this pasta in a constant state of just-right al dente! This means the pasta products will work well in a crock pot and left overs hold up beautifully for reheating the next day! Check out this other recipe I made earlier in the year with the Black Bean Spaghetti — Black Garlic & Steak Curry!

Black Garlic Beef and Bean Curry

You can find Explore Asian gluten-free pastas at Whole Foods, Costco and Fairway stores as well as at http://www.explore-asian.com/.  Costco is now even selling the Edamame Spaghetti in 2lb boxes!

Use the STORE LOCATOR to find the retailer closest to you.

Try this gluten-free, organic, high-protein pasta out for yourself! If you do, take a picture of your recipe using Explore Asian products and enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Whole Foods.  Head over to the recipe database for inspiration, get cooking, and then send a photo of your finished dish to info@explore-asian.com no later than December 24, 2015.

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Explore Asian.

 

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Edamame Spaghetti with Kumquats and Feta
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
13 mins
 
Make a quick and healthy dinner of edamame pasta tossed with feta and kumquats - this gluten-free, high-protein spaghetti is perfect fuel for the athlete.
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 7.05 oz package Edamame Spaghetti Explore Asian brand
  • 3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed to room temperature
  • 1 dozen kuquats, seeded and coarsely chopped keep skin on
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Srirracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese or can substitute nuts to keep dairy free
Instructions
  1. Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to pot.
  2. In small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, Srirracha, and olive oil.
  3. Put edamame beans, chopped kumquats and sauce into pot with drained pasta and toss until everything coated.
  4. Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve.

Orange Miso Steak Lettuce Wraps + 6 More Protein Salads

Adding grilled strip steak to my Orange Miso Lettuce Wraps ups the protein to 25 grams -- perfect for the #proteinchallenge!

I love LOVE salads, many of you know that – I post my salad photos ( #saladselfie #saladrevolution #saladintheATX)  nearly every day on Instagram @thefitfork.  Often the mounds of lettuce I get at casual restaurants or take-away are pretty skimpy on the protein – this makes me hungry within the hour, no matter how BIG the salad was – that’s one of the reasons I prefer making my salad at home. Protein is so important for people living a fit and active lifestyle – adequate quality protein promotes heart health, helps muscles recover and grow and gives a long-lasting feeling of fullness that prevents unhealthy snacking later in the day. I got a chance to talk about this and the 30 Day Protein Challenge on Good Day San Antonio on 4th of July Morning!

Sharing ways to get more protein at breakfast, lunch and dinner on KENS5 Great Day San Antonio.

Sharing ways to get more protein at breakfast, lunch and dinner on KENS5 Great Day San Antonio.

There are lots of ways to boost the protein in salads, everyone should be aiming to get 25 – 30 grams of protein per meal adding beans (edamame, garbanzo, and black beans are some of my favorites) and adding a modest amount of nuts with heart-healthy oils like (almonds, walnuts and pistachios are so good) are two ways to reach optimal protein intake – I also love these Snack Crisps from Eat Enlightened. They are baked crunchy from broad (fava) beans and come in a bunch of yummy flavors like Sriracha, Garlic and Barbeque! For only 100 calories, I get an extra 7 grams of protein and lots of satisfying crush – whoohoo, they work as paleo croutons!

Lean beef ups the protein in this healthy, asian-inpsired salad.

Of course, the most direct way to pump up the protein in a salad is by adding lean red meat; chicken, turkey or other poultry; or fish, shrimp  or type of seafood. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for Orange Miso Beef Lettuce Wraps along with a collection of other beef salad ideas I curated in a collection for Mode Stories.

Check out Beef Up a Light Lunch – Seven Steak Inspired Salads

by The Fit Fork at Mode

Eat Nakd Bars - thefitfork.comAlso, I wanted to share with you a yummy snack I’ve been enjoying lately –  Eat Nākd from Natural Balance Foods . Eat Nākd bars are basically fruits and nuts “smooshed” together in a nutritious, healthy bar for convenience  Eat Nākd Protein Crunch bars are just as delicious and are have a bit of plant-based protein added for sustained energy. Individually wrapped for convenience and available in a ton of tempting flavors (hello chocolate mint), these bars are the perfect way to get some quick energy before a workout or when you need a little pick-me-up to nosh on at the office. They are also vegetarian and Paleo diet friendly; gluten, wheat and dairy free; and have no added sugars or hidden extras. These bars are made in Britain and you can order online with quick delivery – this product totally worth checking out!

protein challenge badge

Click photo to sign up!

Join the 30 Day Protein Challenge — you’ll learn how to get enough protein in your diet. Or, you’ll discover why you should rearrange the protein you’re already eating — did you know most Americans eat 2/3s of their daily requirement at dinner? It needs to be evenly portioned out through the day! The #ProteinChallenge also gives you access to delicious recipes and support with nutrition tips and a hunger scale to help you optimize your health!

What is your favorite or most unusual way to add protein to a salad? Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

 

This post is sponsored in part my Mode Media. 

Miso Orange Steak Lettuce Wraps
This healthy, Asian inspired salad can be grabbed and wrapped up to-go -- or eat like a traditional salad! Beef and edamame beans pump up the protein so you'll be satisfied through to the next meal!
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
  • 2 10 ounce beef Strip Steaks Boneless, cut 1 inch thick
  • 16 leaves Boston or butter lettuce leaves (about 4 to 5-inch diameter)
  • 2 cups ssorted rainbow slaw mix – chopped broccoli stalk, matchstick carrots, shredded cabbage
  • 1/4 cup frozen shelled edamame beans, thawed
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced radish
  • 1/4 cup slivered toasted almonds
  • 4 ounces Mandarin orange segments
  • 1/4 cup Green Garden Orange Miso Dressing (or Asian vinaigrette of choice)
For Wet Rub
  • 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 teasponn ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Combine Rub ingredients; smear evenly onto beef steaks.
  2. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 11 to 15 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally.
  3. Carve steaks into slices. Place lettuce leaves on serving platter. Evenly layer vegetables onto lettuce leaves. Top evenly with steak. Drizzle with vinaigrette; sprinkle with nuts.
  4. Tip: To pan-broil steaks, preheat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook steaks 12 to 15 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally.

More Fun Time! 15-Minute Chicken, Lentil & Veggie Green Wraps

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Birds Eye®, and Tyson® but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #FastFreshFilling http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Chicken Lentil and Veggie  Green Wraps with Sriracha Ranch Dressing makes a quick and healthy summer lunch or dinner that uses the microwave!

Chicken Lentil and Veggie Green Wraps with Sriracha Ranch Dressing makes a quick and healthy summer lunch or dinner that uses the microwave!

Hey, it’s finally summertime. After months and months of frantic school year schedules, we busy parents need to cut ourselves some slack! While preparing a nutritious home-cooked meal is important for the well-being of any family, so is enjoying quality fun time together outside the kitchen. Personally, I have been spending an extra hour with the kids at the pool, gym or playing outdoor games without any worry of rushing back to get dinner going – and no, we are not ordering pizza or hitting the drive through on the way home!

Shopping for Birds Eye and Tyson at Walmart.

Shopping for Birds Eye and Tyson at Walmart.

Instead, I’m relying on the Birds Eye Steamfresh® Protein Blends and Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Fillets I know are waiting in the freezer. Combined with a few other fresh ingredients in my produce bin, I have a super nutritious, protein-rich meal to serve my hungry boys in less than 15 minutes – and without turning on a hot oven or grill! My entire recipe for Chicken, Lentil & Veggie Green Wraps with Sriracha Ranch can be made entirely in the microwave. It’s so freakin’ awesome and easy that even my kids can make dinner and bring it out to me while I rest myself pool side on the chaise lounge.

I am so loving these Birds Eye Steamfresh® Protein Blends, there are four different blends that combine veggies with added protein from ingredients like lentils, beans, quinoa and such. The California blend used in my Chicken, Lentil & Veggie Green Wraps is loaded with lentils, broccoli and edamame – all which are surprisingly good sources on plant-based protein. In fact, these Birds Eye Steamfresh® Protein Blends are a great dinner solution for vegetarians.

collard wrap with product

However, my family is a bit more carnivorous – so, no surprise the fully-cooked Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Fillets were a hit. These 100% all natural pieces of white meat chicken can be used creatively in countless recipes and boast appetizing, caramelized hatch marks that make each fillet look like it’s been pulled straight off the grill!

Wrapping up the chicken and lentil edamame mix in collard greens.

The recipe is so easy just add carrots to the protein blend and microwave — and reheat the chicken in the microwave too! Then pile it in fresh, raw collard greens, Swiss chard or kale and roll up!

Chicken Lentil and Veggie Collard Green Wraps with Sriracha Ranch

Eat your collard greens!

Eat your collard greens!

 

You can find both the  Birds Eye Steamfresh® Protein Blends and Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Fillets products in the freezer section of Walmart. And don’t forget to get your collard greens!

 

 

 

What would you do with an extra hour of free time this summer? Do you have a go-to 15 minute meal? Please share in the comments below! XOXO Jennifer 

 

Chicken, Lentil & Veggie Green Wraps with Sriracha Ranch
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Microwave a healthy quick meal in under 15 minutes and enjoy more summer fun! This paleo green wrap uses kale, chard or collard leaves, chicken and veggies!
Course: Main Dish, Salad, Vegetable
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
  • 1 10.8 oz bag Birds Eye Steamfresh® Protein Blends – California Style
  • 1/2 cup matchstick cut carrots
  • 2 fillets Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Fillets
  • 4 large leaves collard greens, Swiss Chard or kale
  • 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing of choice
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha Hot Pepper Sauce more or less to taste
Instructions
  1. In microwave safe bowl with lid, add protein blend veggie with carrots; toss together. Microwave for approximately 4 – 5 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
  2. Set fillets on microwave-safe plate and microwave on “reheat” for 2 – 3 minutes or until warmed through but not scorching hot.
  3. Wash and dry four big leaves of collard greens and remove stems from below the intersection with each leaf. Also carefully cut and remove about 1” of stem up into each leaf with a paring knife – this will make “rolling” the wrap later easier.
  4. Spoon ¼ of the cooked vegetable mixture into center of each leaf, spreading out a bit while leaving plenty of room on the sides.
  5. Cut the fillets in half lengthwise to create two longer pieces of chicken. Place one piece of chicken on top of the vegetable mixture.
  6. To form wrap, fold tops and bottoms toward each other and keep secure with hands. Next, take one of the longer sides, fold over top of chicken and begin rolling into other side of leaf – secure with a toothpick. Repeat for remaining bundles.
  7. In small bowl, mix together ranch dressing and Sriracha sauce until well blended. Serve with wraps.