Seaweed Salad Sesame Ginger

Bring a taste of Japanese elegance to your table with this vibrant Seaweed Salad. This nutrient-dense dish is remarkably refreshing, featuring tender wakame tossed in a zesty sesame-ginger dressing that perfectly balances savory and sweet notes. It serves as an ideal light appetizer or a healthy side dish for any Asian-inspired meal.

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The secret to this salad lies in the transformation of the dried seaweed. As it soaks, the wakame unfurls into beautiful emerald ribbons, ready to soak up the aromatic dressing. Combined with julienned carrots and thinly sliced cucumber, it creates a medley of textures that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 30 g dried wakame seaweed (about 1 cup dried)
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for dressing)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Place the dried seaweed in a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 7–10 minutes, or until fully rehydrated and tender. Drain well and squeeze out excess water.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the rehydrated seaweed, cucumber, carrot, and scallions.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, grated ginger, maple syrup or honey, 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds, and chili flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

Step 4

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh finish.

Step 6

Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the dressing adheres perfectly, make sure to squeeze the rehydrated seaweed as dry as possible. Any leftover water can dilute the bold flavors of the sesame oil and ginger. If you have time, chilling the salad before serving significantly enhances the crispness of the vegetables.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra crunch and a pop of color, try adding thinly sliced radish or shredded red cabbage. You can easily adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing to your personal taste by tweaking the amounts of maple syrup and rice vinegar used.

Serviervorschläge

This Seaweed Salad pairs excellently with chilled sake or a warm cup of green tea. It is the perfect accompaniment to sushi platters, grilled fish, or Miso soup, making it a versatile addition to your Japanese-style dinner spread.

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With only 70 calories per serving, this nutrient-dense salad is a guilt-free way to enjoy a sophisticated appetizer. Whether served fresh or slightly chilled, it brings a bright, healthy touch to any meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of seaweed works best?

Dried wakame seaweed is ideal for this dish. It rehydrates quickly, has a tender texture, and absorbs flavors beautifully. Look for it in Asian grocery stores or the international aisle of well-stocked supermarkets.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish actually benefits from chilling for 15-30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. It stores well in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though the vegetables may soften slightly.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make it completely gluten-free. Always check your seaweed package for any potential cross-contamination warnings.

→ What can I serve with seaweed salad?

It pairs wonderfully with sushi, teriyaki dishes, grilled fish, or miso soup. For beverages, chilled sake or green tea complement the flavors beautifully. It also works as part of a larger Asian-inspired spread.

→ How do I adjust the dressing flavors?

Taste and adjust to your preferences—add more maple syrup for sweetness, extra rice vinegar for acidity, or increase chili flakes for heat. The dressing should be tangy, slightly sweet, and well-balanced.