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Wakame, Agar, Sugnori, Tsunomata & Mafunori Seaweed freshly rehydrated

 

One of my favorite, must-order dishes whenever we eat at Japanese restaurants is seaweed salad. The exotic textures, colors and flavors are an irressitable treat for me, not to mention a bona fide cocktail of minerals & vitamins, including B12. Ocean sea vegetables are macroalgaes that possess an impressive profile of protein, minerals and trace minerals. It is said that a piece of raw, unwashed seaweed will retain every single mineral held by the ocean.  Seaweed can purify the blood because its chemical compositions are very similar to blood plasma in human beings. Not only are these gorgeous sea vegetables a powerhouse of macrobiotic nutrition, they're anti-inflammatory and possess cholesterol lowering, anti-cancer & anti-viral properties as well… oh, they also make your hair lustrous & healthy too!

 You can imagine my excitement when I realized I could make this beautiful salad at home. It's a delicious, light summer meal which takes only minutes to assemble. I often use SeaSnax SeaVegi seaweed salad mix, by a great company with strict sourcing from only the purest ocean waters.

Please enjoy this magical and exotic salad!

Japanese Seaweed Salad

Makes 4 side course servings or 2 main course servings if you're like Jim and me:-)

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz package dehydrated Seaweed Salad Mix (or equivalent of mixed seaweeds such as Wakame, Agar, Sugnori, Tsunomata & Mafunori Seaweed)
  • 1 fuji apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 red onion thinly slivered 
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp tamari
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp minced ginger
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp raw honey or agave

Method: 

  1. Place seaweed in a large bowl and cover with cold, filtered water. Set aside to rehydrate for 7 minutes, then drain into a collander.
  2. While the seaweed is rehydrating, assemble the dressing by whisking together the vinegar, tamari, sesame oil and honey. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic.  
  3. Lastly place the rehydrated seaweed, sliced apple, sliced onion in a large serving bowl and toss with the dressing until coated.
  4. Serve with chopsticks and enjoy!

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Japanese Seaweed Salad

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Vibrant Pear & Fuji Salad with Pecans & Cheddar

 

Spring is officially just eleven days away!  

The air smells of fresh, damp soil and our daffodil sprouts – which mysteriously appeared in late January- are finally seasonally appropriate!  Lighter weather and lengthening, sunny days make it a great time to share my Pear & Fuji Salad with Pecans & Cheddar! 

We enjoy this vibrant salad fall through early spring when it's always easy to find delicious pears, apples and grapes.  Full of zingy flavor, satisfying toasted nuts and shredded cheddar, you definitely won't feel deprived after this healthy meal.  Add a cup of soup or a whole grain english muffin on the side- smothered in coconut oil & all-fruit strawberry jam if you're like me– and your taste buds will be just as happy as your waistline!


Vibrant Pear & Fuji Salad with Cheddar & Pecans 

 (Serves 2)

INGREDIENTS

Juliane's EASY Salad Dressing:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey or fruit jam (or agave nectar)
  • 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper                   

Salad:

  • 3 cups arugula or spring greens
  • 1/3 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1/2 fuji apple, sliced
  • 1/2 medium pear, sliced
  • ¼ cup cheddar cheese, thickly shredded (extra sharp if you please!)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans, toasted (I place mine on a piece of aluminum foil in my toaster oven and set to "light" toast. Easy!)

METHOD

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, (or agave or jam), cider vinegar and EVOO.  Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  2. Place greens and sliced fruits in a large bowl.  Add dressing and toss gently (so as not to bruise the greens) to coat.  Arrange on two serving plates, then sprinkle with shredded cheese and toasted pecans.  Serve immediately and Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite quick & easy home-made salad dressing?

How do the longer days impact you?