Shellfish Free Fig & Kelp Noodle Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
Kelp noodles might sound intimidating, but a simple baking soda soak transforms them from stiff and glassy to silky and pliable — no cooking required. The result is a refreshing, vibrant salad that layers sweet fresh figs, crunchy purple cabbage, cool cucumber, and bright herbs like mint and cilantro into something that feels genuinely special. The dressing ties it all together beautifully: coconut aminos and apple cider vinegar bring tang and depth, while honey, ginger, turmeric, and lime juice add warmth and a little zing. Because every component here is whole, plant-based, and naturally free from ocean-harvested proteins that can cause concern, you never have to second-guess what's in the bowl. It's the kind of dish that looks stunning on a table but comes together with minimal effort and zero stress. Serve it immediately for maximum crunch, or let it chill for half an hour and let the dressing soak into every strand — either way, it disappears fast.
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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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