Enjoy edamame tossed zoodles with honey walnut vinaigrette at your next Meatless Monday meal. It's gluten free, dairy free, and paleo. Perfect for all your summer picnics!

I do eat beef and chicken in moderate amounts. My body needs the fat and protein, but I don't go hard every day with animal protein.

It can take the body some serious effort to break down meat, and every-body needs a vacation from time to time.

That's why I made this recipe for edamame tossed zoodles with honey walnut vinaigrette.

There is a bit of controversy around soy. Some say it can cause cancer while others say that it can help prevent it. 

Personally, I don't eat much soy myself, but I do love edamame.

You have your essential omega 3s, iron, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

Did you also know that soy is cholesterol free? Yup, it's a high quality, heart-healthy plant protein. Then there's the whole sustainability piece with soyfoods using less energy, water, and land than its animal protein counterparts. So there's some reason to like some soy.

Like most things, you want to make sure your soy is properly sourced.

Edamame, aka young soy beans, has more protein than any other bean and is also a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.

Of course the best part is that edamame tastes really good.

To make things even healthier, I created zucchini noodles, or zoodles, to throw the edamame in. I tossed it all with a fresh and nutty vinaigrette and topped it with chopped walnuts.

This is a great summer salad. You can eat it cold and the flavors get even better over time.

I hope you enjoy it at an upcoming picnic!

Edamame Tossed Zoodles with Honey Walnut Vinaigrette

Serves About 4

Ingredients

Dressing

• 1 tablespoon organic, raw honey
• 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice ( I like using blood orange)
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1/4 fresh mint, diced
• 3 tablespoon walnut oil

Salad

• 2 large zucchinis
• 8 ounces of shelled edamame (frozen is easiest)
• 3 ounces of walnuts, coarsely chopped

Instructions

1. Place the honey in a glass bowl and microwave for 5-10 seconds so it's in liquid form. Whisk in the orange, sherry vinegar and mint. Then slowly add the oil, stirring until combined. Set the dressing aside.
2. Spiralize the zucchinis (instructions here). Place the zucchini strands over a colander, salt and allow to stand for 30 minutes so the moisture can release.
3. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the edamame and cook uncovered about 5 minutes until tender, but not soft. Drain and rinse with cold water.
4. Squeeze any remaining moisture from the zucchini and pat dry. Place zoodles in a glass bowl. Add the edamame and slowly incorporate the dressing (you may not need all of it for the one salad). Toss and top with walnuts. 

Want more vegetable noodle options? Try one of these.