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Seaweed Salad

By Grandma Millie

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A bowl of seaweed salad with wakame, green onions, and sesame seeds on a wooden table.

Seaweed salad brings fresh coastal flavor to your table with tender strands of wakame tossed in a light, tangy dressing. Rice vinegar and gluten free tamari create a savory base, while a touch of sesame oil and gentle sweetness balance every bite. Crisp cucumber and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add texture, making this chilled salad refreshing, vibrant, and perfect as a quick healthy side for noodles, rice bowls, or grilled vegetables.

Prep: 10 mins
Total: 10 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 45
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Seaweed Salad

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Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 45
IngredientsEquipmentMethodNotes

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Dried wakame seaweed
  • 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 Green onion (Thinly sliced)
  • Pinch Red pepper flakes (Optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Bowl — For soaking seaweed and mixing dressing
  • 1 whisk — For mixing dressing

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Soak the Seaweed – Start by soaking the dried wakame seaweed in a bowl of cold water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes rehydrated and tender. Once ready, drain the seaweed and gently squeeze out any excess water.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Make the Dressing – In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. This dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully!

  3. 3

    Step 3: Combine Ingredients – Add the drained seaweed and sliced green onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently to ensure the seaweed is evenly coated with the delicious mixture.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Serve and Enjoy – Finally, sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your refreshing seaweed salad!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories45
Fat2g
Protein3g
Carbs6g
Sugar1g

Why You’ll Love This seaweed salad

  • It’s packed with nutrients that boost your health.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
  • Deliciously unique flavor that elevates any meal.
  • Low in calories, making it a guilt-free side dish.
  • Versatile and can be customized to your taste.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful seaweed salad!

Ingredients for seaweed salad displayed on a kitchen table.
  • Dried wakame seaweed – 1 ounce
  • Rice vinegar – 2 tablespoons
  • Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
  • Sugar – 1 teaspoon
  • Toasted sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon
  • Green onion – 1, thinly sliced
  • Red pepper flakes – Pinch (optional)

How to Make Seaweed Salad

This delightful seaweed salad is not only quick to prepare but also a healthy addition to your meals. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and no cooking time required, you can whip this up in no time. Allow it to chill for a few minutes for the flavors to meld, making it a perfect side dish!

Four-part image showing the preparation steps for seaweed salad, including soaking seaweed, making dressing, combining ingredients, and serving the salad.

Step 1: Soak the Seaweed

Start by soaking the dried wakame seaweed in a bowl of cold water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes rehydrated and tender. Once ready, drain the seaweed and gently squeeze out any excess water.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. This dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the drained seaweed and sliced green onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently to ensure the seaweed is evenly coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your refreshing seaweed salad!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategorySalad
CuisineJapanese
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Extra Time0 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
DietaryLow-calorie
Serves4
Best ServedChilled or at room temperature

Pro Tips for Making seaweed salad

  • Soak the seaweed in cold water for 10-15 minutes for the best texture.
  • Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick.
  • Incorporate sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
  • Experiment with different seaweed types for unique tastes.
  • Chill the salad before serving for a refreshing experience.

How to Serve this seaweed salad

  • Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer.
  • Pair with grilled chicken or tofu for a balanced meal.
  • Top with sesame seeds for added crunch.
  • Mix into sushi rolls for a flavorful twist.
  • Enjoy as a side dish with rice or quinoa bowls.
  • Garnish with sliced cucumbers and radishes for extra freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and enjoying your seaweed salad later is easy!

Storing Leftovers

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate within two hours of serving.
  • Consume within 2-3 days for best flavor.

Freezing

  • Seaweed salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen.
  • Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Use within 1-2 months for optimal quality.

Reheating

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Gently toss with a little sesame oil to refresh flavors.
  • Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this easy seaweed salad recipe in your back pocket, it’s time to dive in! This vibrant dish is not only a breeze to whip up but also a delightful way to add a touch of the ocean to your table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share it with friends—after all, good food is meant to be savored together!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What does seaweed salad have in it?
Seaweed salad typically includes a variety of seaweeds, such as wakame, along with ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sometimes vegetables like cucumber or carrots. It’s often garnished with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
What are the pros and cons of eating seaweed?
Eating seaweed has several benefits, including being rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly iodine, which is essential for thyroid function. However, it can also be high in sodium and may contain heavy metals if sourced from polluted waters, so moderation is key.
Can I eat seaweed salad daily?
Yes, you can enjoy seaweed salad daily, but it’s important to balance it with other foods. While seaweed is nutritious, consuming it in moderation helps avoid excessive iodine intake and ensures a varied diet.
What does seaweed do for your body?
Seaweed is packed with nutrients that can support overall health. It provides antioxidants, aids digestion, and can help regulate metabolism. Additionally, its high fiber content can promote gut health and keep you feeling full longer.

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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