Nutmeg Free Fig & Kelp Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
This salad is a genuinely stunning combination of textures and flavors — silky kelp noodles, crisp purple cabbage, cool cucumber, and jammy fresh figs all pulled together by a bright, tangy dressing. The apple cider vinegar and lime juice give it a lively acidity, while coconut aminos add a savory depth and honey rounds everything out with just a touch of sweetness. Fresh ginger and turmeric bring warmth without any of the heavy, spiced undertones that can sneak into dressings through blends or pre-made sauces — making this a clean, confident choice for anyone avoiding nutmeg. The baking soda soak is a clever trick that transforms kelp noodles from stiff and crunchy into something genuinely tender and satisfying, so don't skip that step. Torn mint and cilantro scattered throughout keep every bite feeling fresh and a little unexpected. It comes together quickly and works beautifully as a light lunch, a side at a summer gathering, or a meal-prep option that holds up well in the fridge for a short rest before serving.
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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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