One crisp autumn evening, as I was strolling along the beach, the salty breeze filled the air, and I watched the waves crash against the rocks. I spotted some vibrant green seaweed nestled between the stones, glistening under the faint orange glow of the setting sun. Inspired by its beauty and nutritional benefits, I decided to create a unique salad that would capture the essence of the ocean and the zest of citrus. This Umami-Infused Seaweed Salad is not just a treat for the eyes but also a deliciously healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
1 cup dried seaweed (wakame or kombu)
1 small cucumber, julienned
1 carrot, grated
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by soaking the dried seaweed in a bowl of warm water for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes tender and expands. Once rehydrated, drain the seaweed and gently squeeze out excess water. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
Add the julienned cucumber, grated carrot, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions to the bowl with the seaweed. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will make your salad visually stunning.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), and the fresh lime juice. This citrus vinaigrette will bring a delightful zing to your salad, complementing the umami flavor of the seaweed.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated. Be careful not to over-toss, as you want to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it one last gentle toss to incorporate the seeds.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s bursting with oceanic goodness and zesty brightness.
Serve this Umami-Infused Seaweed Salad as a refreshing appetizer, or pair it with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal. It’s a celebration of texture and flavor, a perfect dish to transport you back to that serene beach where it all began.