Enjoy Soy Ingredients for Protein-Packed Picnic Recipes

Ankeny, Iowa, April 14, 2026— May kicks off the season for outdoor gatherings. The Soyfoods Council offers easy, crowd-pleasing recipes for backyard barbecues, garden parties and picnics. Versatile side dishes such as Edamame Bean Saladoffer a burst of high-quality soy protein. Did you know that soybeans are higher in protein than other beans (~35% vs. ~27%)?

For burgers on the grill, extend ground beef or turkey by adding frozen soy crumbles or moistened TVP granules to serve a crowd. TVP (textured vegetable protein) may also be labeled in the grocery store as TSP or textured soy protein. It’s a budget-friendly, fiber-rich, zero fat food that offers approximately 11 to 13 grams of protein per ¼ cup serving. Soy protein is a complete plant protein containing all the essential amino acids in amounts needed by the body.

For appetizers, consider fresh vegetables with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing and Dip made with plain soy milk and silken tofu. Elevate the dessert experience with easy-to-transport cookies. You can find the recipes mentioned below in the free, downloadable cookbooks available on The Soyfoods Council website.

Edamame Bean Salad features frozen, shelled edamameand a can of black soybeans paired with one can each of green beans and yellow wax beans. Add diced onion and celery. The easy dressing is made by simmering ½ cup soybean oil (often labeled as vegetable oil), ¾ cup vinegar and ½ cup sugar in a saucepan.  

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing and Dip is made in moments in a food processor. Combine a cup of plain soymilk with ½ cup soft silken tofu, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 Tablespoon white vinegar and a packet (3 Tablespoons) of Ranch Dressing mix. One cup of soy milk adds approximately 7 grams of protein to recipes, while a half-cup of silken tofu can provide approximately 4-5 grams of protein, depending on the brand.

​Cookies are a perennial dessert favorite. If you’re looking for low-sugar, high fiber options, try Lightly Sweet Date, Oatmeal and Textured Soy Protein Cookies. With just ¼ cup brown sugar and only 1/3 cup flour per batch, the cookies incorporate the sweetness of pitted dates.

Visit The Soyfoods Council website at www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com for complete, illustrated recipes. You’ll also find nutrition details about soy foods, shopping and cooking tips, and the latest research on the health benefits of soy foods.

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About soyfoods and sustainability: Sustainability is a soy tradition. U. S. soybean farmers have been practicing sustainable agriculture methods for decades. Currently, 95% of U.S. soy growers are committed to sustainable farming practices and partner with the USDA to implement conservation programs. Soyfoods may play a significant role as a source of protein that minimally contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in comparison to other protein sources.

About the Soyfoods Council: The Soyfoods Council is a non-profit organization, created and funded by Iowa soybean farmers, providing a complete resource to increase awareness  of soyfoods, educate and inform media, healthcare professionals, consumers and the retail and foodservice markets about the many benefits of Soyfoods.