Wakame

NYT Cooking

Oct 9, 2025

Simple Seaweed Salad

Seaweed salad is traditionally enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish in Japanese cooking and can easily be prepared at home. Made most commonly with wakame, which is mildly briny with a soft and chewy texture, the seaweed is typically dressed in a sesame soy sauce, with some versions that add ponzu, garlic, ginger, scallions or grated carrots. This classic version is the perfect versatile accompaniment for roasted proteins like fish and chicken, and pairs particularly well with tofu and rice dishes. With just a handful of basic condiments, the salad comes together quickly and can be made a few hours ahead.