Hey Lykkers! If you're craving something light, healthy, and full of flavor, you're in for a treat with this seaweed salad recipe!
Packed with nutrients, this seaweed salad is a fantastic addition to any meal, and the best part is it only takes 30 minutes to prepare!
Why Choose Seaweed for Your Salad?
When it comes to healthy eating, seaweed often gets overlooked, but it's time to give it the attention it deserves. Seaweed is not only flavorful but also loaded with vitamins and minerals, including iodine, calcium, and iron. It's an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Plus, it's light and refreshing, which makes it a great option for a salad that won't weigh you down.
This seaweed salad is super simple to prepare, and it pairs wonderfully with dishes like taco rice or as part of a bento box. Whether you're making it for a light snack or as a side to a larger meal, this salad is sure to impress.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we get into the method, let's take a quick look at the ingredients you'll need for this seaweed salad:
• 50g of dried seaweed/sea vegetable salad (you can use a combination of wakame and hijiki)
• 1 tablespoon of awase miso
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of drinks
• 1 tablespoon of white roasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of yuzu juice (you can substitute with lemon if you prefer)
• 1 red chili, finely sliced
• A pinch of sea salt
Preparing the Seaweed: The Base of the Salad
The first step to making this seaweed salad is rehydrating the dried seaweed. Whether you're using a ready-made sea vegetable salad or a combination of wakame and hijiki seaweed, you'll need to soak it in water for about 20 minutes. The seaweed will expand and soften, making it easier to work with.
Once the seaweed is rehydrated, drain it well to remove any excess water. If you're using wakame or other whole varieties of seaweed, be sure to slice them into bite-sized pieces so they're easier to eat.
Making the Dressing: Flavorful and Tangy
The key to this seaweed salad's deliciousness is the dressing. It's simple to prepare and adds a punch of flavor that brings everything together. In a bowl, combine the awase miso, soy sauce, drinks, sesame seeds, sesame oil, rice vinegar, yuzu juice, chili, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-blended.
The dressing should not be too thick; it should have a light consistency with a wonderful aromatic balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking if needed.
Bringing It All Together: Assembly Time!
Now that we have both the seaweed and the dressing ready, it's time to bring everything together. Place the rehydrated seaweed in a bowl and pour the dressing over it. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the seaweed is evenly coated in the flavorful dressing. For an extra touch of crunch and flavor, sprinkle a few more sesame seeds on top.
Once it's all mixed, let the salad chill in the fridge for a few minutes before serving. The chilling allows the flavors to meld together, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
Optional Add-Ons: Make It Even Better
While this seaweed salad is delicious on its own, there are a few ways you can make it even more nutritious and satisfying. If you're looking for extra protein, adding some silken tofu is a great idea. The tofu will add creaminess and make the salad even more filling, without compromising the light and fresh nature of the dish.
Why You'll Love This Seaweed Salad
Seaweed salad is a fantastic way to switch things up and add some variety to your meals. It's not only a quick and easy dish to prepare, but it's also incredibly healthy, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat more plant-based foods. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this salad is both nourishing and refreshing.
Whether you're making it as a side dish for dinner or enjoying it as a light lunch, this seaweed salad will leave you feeling satisfied without feeling weighed down. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate more sea vegetables into your diet!
So, Lykkers, are you ready to make this vibrant and delicious seaweed salad at home? We promise it'll be a hit! It's light, tasty, and packed with nutrients, so it's perfect for any time of the year!
