Wakame Cucumber Slaw
A crisp, refreshing slaw with tender rehydrated wakame seaweed and thin slices of cucumber, tossed in a light rice vinegar and sesame dressing. The gentle brininess of the sea pairs beautifully with cool cucumber for a quick side that feels like a Japanese restaurant at home.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Rehydrate the wakame seaweed.
1.Place dried wakame in a bowl of cold water and soak for 10 minutes until tender and doubled in size.2.Drain well and gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. - prep · ~2 min
Slice the cucumber.
1.Wash and dry the cucumbers.2.Cut in half lengthwise, then slice thinly into half-moons about 2mm thick.TIPA mandoline gives you even, paper-thin slices that soak up the dressing beautifully. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and salt.2.Whisk until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. - mix · ~1 min
Toss everything together.
1.In a medium mixing bowl, add the rehydrated wakame and sliced cucumber.2.Pour the dressing over the top.3.Toss gently until every piece is coated. - rest · ~5 min
Let the slaw rest for 5 minutes.
Let the slaw sit so the cucumber softens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- garnish
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.
Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rehydrate wakame in cold water — hot water makes it mushy and dulls its color.
- 2Squeeze the rehydrated wakame gently; too hard and you crush its delicate texture.
- 3Use a mandoline for cucumber slices — paper-thin half-moons absorb dressing best.
- 4Let the slaw rest exactly 5 minutes; longer and cucumber gets watery and limp.
- 5Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- 6Serve chilled or at room temp — never hot, as heat wilts the seaweed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/2 tsp chili oil or a pinch of shichimi togarashi to the dressing for heat that cuts through the seaweed's brininess.
veganVegan
Already vegan as written — no modifications needed.
proteIn boostProteIn-boost
Toss in 100g shelled edamame or shredded cooked chicken to turn this side into a light lunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Calories
This slaw is built on low-calorie cucumber and seaweed, making it a light side dish that adds volume without weighing you down.
Rich in Iodine from Wakame
Wakame seaweed is a natural source of iodine, essential for healthy thyroid function.
Hydrating and Cooling
Cucumber is more than 95% water, helping you stay hydrated while the sesame oil provides a small dose of healthy fats.
Frequently asked questions
It's not recommended — hot water turns wakame slimy and dulls its vibrant green color. Cold water soak for 10 minutes works best.







