Cashew Free Fig & Kelp Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
This salad is a stunning collision of textures and flavors — silky kelp noodles, juicy fresh figs, crisp purple cabbage, and a bright, tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. The baking soda soak is a clever trick that transforms kelp noodles from stiff and crunchy into something genuinely tender and satisfying, making them a fantastic base for a dish like this. The dressing leans on coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, honey, and fresh ginger for a punchy, layered flavor that feels complex without requiring a long ingredient list. Every component here is naturally free from tree nuts, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about sneaky additions hiding in a sauce or garnish. Fresh mint and cilantro add an herby lift, while the lime juice keeps the whole bowl tasting alive and vibrant. It's the kind of salad that looks impressive enough for a dinner party but comes together with minimal fuss — just a good whisk and a solid toss.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 12 oz kelp noodles
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 8 fresh figs, quartered
- 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 english cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the kelp noodles under cold water in a colander, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Fill the bowl with warm water, add the baking soda, and stir briefly to combine. Let the noodles soak for 15 minutes, until they soften from crunchy and stiff to pliable and tender.
- 2
While the noodles soak, whisk together the coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, grated ginger, turmeric, sea salt, and lime juice in a small bowl until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is uniform.
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