Discover the vibrant and refreshing flavors of Seaweed Salad, a delightful dish made from locally-sourced seaweed. This easy-to-make salad combines tender seaweed with a tangy vinegar dressing and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect as a light appetizer or a healthy side dish, this recipe offers a burst of umami and a crunchy texture that will elevate any meal. Follow our step-by-step guide to make your own Seaweed Salad and enjoy a taste of the ocean in every bite!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups dried seaweed (such as wakame or kombu)

- 1/4 cup rice vinegar

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon grated ginger

- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced

- 1/4 cup shredded carrots

- 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

Rehydrate the Seaweed:

  - Place the dried seaweed in a bowl of warm water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes tender. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Prepare the Dressing:

  - In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.

Mix the Salad:

  - In a large bowl, combine the rehydrated seaweed, sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions.

Add Dressing:

  - Pour the dressing over the seaweed mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Garnish:

  - Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the salad and give it a final toss.

Serve:

  - Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve as a refreshing appetizer or a light side dish.

Enjoy your Seaweed Salad, bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful crunch!

Nutritional Values

Seaweed (e.g., Wakame or Kombu)

 - Calories: 43

 - Protein: 2.8 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 9.6 grams

 - Fat: 0.6 grams

 - Fiber: 1.6 grams

 - Sodium: 2,485 mg (varies based on processing)

Benefits:

 - Rich in Iodine: Essential for thyroid function and hormone regulation.

 - High in Antioxidants: Contains vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.

 - Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Provides calcium, magnesium, and iron.

 - Supports Digestion: Fiber content aids in digestive health.

Rice Vinegar

 - Calories: 21

 - Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Sodium: 1 mg

Benefits:

 - Low in Calories: Adds flavor without many calories.

 - Improves Digestion: May help with digestion and has potential benefits for gut health.

Soy Sauce

 - Calories: 53

 - Protein: 6 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 5 grams

 - Fat: 0.4 grams

 - Sodium: 5,680 mg (varies based on brand)

Benefits:

 - Flavor Enhancer: Adds umami flavor to dishes.

 - Contains Protein: Provides a small amount of protein and minerals.

Sesame Oil

 - Calories: 573

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

 - Fat: 50 grams (mostly unsaturated fats)

 - Sodium: 0 mg

Benefits:

 - High in Healthy Fats: Contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health.

 - Antioxidant Properties: Contains sesamolins and sesamin, which have antioxidant effects.

Honey (or Sugar)

 - Honey: 304 calories, 82 grams carbohydrates (mostly sugars)

 - Sugar: 387 calories, 100 grams carbohydrates (all sugars)

Benefits:

 - Natural Sweetener: Provides sweetness without the need for artificial sweeteners.

 - Honey: Has antibacterial properties and can soothe a sore throat.

Garlic

 - Calories: 149

 - Protein: 6.4 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 33 grams

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

 - Sodium: 17 mg

Benefits:

 - Boosts Immune System: Contains compounds like allicin that have immune-boosting properties.

 - Supports Heart Health: May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Ginger

 - Calories: 80

 - Protein: 1.8 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 18 grams

 - Fat: 0.8 grams

 - Sodium: 13 mg

Benefits:

 - Anti-Inflammatory: Contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory effects.

 - Aids Digestion: Can help reduce nausea and improve digestion.

Sesame Seeds

 - Calories: 573

 - Protein: 18 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 23 grams

 - Fat: 50 grams (includes healthy fats)

 - Sodium: 11 mg

Benefits:

 - Rich in Minerals: High in calcium, magnesium, and iron.

 - Supports Heart Health: Contains healthy fats and antioxidants.

Cucumber

 - Calories: 16

 - Protein: 0.7 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 3.6 grams

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

 - Sodium: 2 mg

Benefits:

 - Hydrating: High water content helps with hydration.

 - Low in Calories: Ideal for weight management.

Carrots

 - Calories: 41

 - Protein: 0.9 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Sodium: 69 mg

Benefits:

 - Rich in Vitamin A: Supports vision health and immune function.

 - High in Antioxidants: Contains beta-carotene, which has antioxidant properties.

Green Onions

 - Calories: 32

 - Protein: 1.8 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 7.3 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Sodium: 16 mg

Benefits:

 - Rich in Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, C, and K.

 - Supports Digestive Health: May have prebiotic effects.

Feel free to adjust the nutritional information based on specific brands or preparations.