Hijiki Salad: Nutritious Salad Without Produce

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After the excesses of the holidays and the inevitable healthy eating resolutions that follow in the New Year, I'm guessing I'm not the only one looking for some tasty salads. Unfortunately with spring still months away, trips down the produce aisle are less than inspiring.

But who says a salad has to come from the produce aisle? With some dried sea vegetables, frozen legumes and a root vegetable, you can make this tasty salad that's as nutritious as it is satisfying.

With firm black tendrils, Hijiki (see pronunciation guide below) is a meaty sea vegetable that lacks the sliminess that put some people off other types of seaweed. It it has an aroma thats a bit like nori but has an earthy flavor that sets it apart.

The sweet shredded carrots and umami-rich edamame, provide an explosion of contrasting colors and flavors that makes this salad look like a fireworks display. Tossed with a simple lemon and soy sauce vinaigrette you get an equally exciting array of flavors and textures.

I used Meyer lemon juice for the dressing, but yuzu, lime or kalamansi would all work well with this salad.