This sweet, spicy and savory Thai Noodle Salad is easy to make and as an added bonus is also naturally raw, gluten free and whole food vegan.
As the weather gets warmer, I haven't been wanting to eat as much cooked food. This is a recipe the whole family loves and can be prepared raw or with a few cooked options.
Walking through Native Sun a while back I stopped and did a double take. Kelp noodles. Hmm. Interesting.
I've never used these noodles of the sea. I bought them and then visited the noodle website online for more info....
What are kelp noodles?
“Kelp Noodles are a sea vegetable in the form of an easy to eat raw noodle. Made of only kelp (a sea vegetable), sodium alginate (sodium salt extracted from a brown seaweed), and water, Kelp Noodles are fat-free, gluten-free, and very low in carbohydrates and calories. Their noodle form and neutral taste allow for a variety of uses including salads, stir-fries, hot broths, and casseroles, while their healthful content provides a rich source of trace minerals including iodine, which kelp is well known for. Their unique texture completes the package, making Kelp Noodles a one-of-a-kind healthful and tasty alternative to pasta and rice noodles. Best of all, no cooking is required. Just rinse and add the noodles to any dish and they are ready to eat!” - kelpnoodles.com
I love the healthy convenience of a ready-to-eat raw food! One of the main reasons raw is great is because the healthy enzymes stay in tact since they are not heated above 115 to 118F.
How to prepare kelp noodles
Once I opened the bag and rinsed, I had to dress them up. I chose fresh carrots, sesame seeds, raw broccoli and aromatic cilantro to add to the noodle base and, in just a few minutes time, was able to whisk a spicy, sweet and salty sauce to massage into the mixture. This mixture can be heated, but it was delicious cold! This salad has a wonderful crunch from the veggies that work so well with the thin, semi-chewy noodles that have the perfect amount of bite.
Have you tried kelp noodles? What do you typically do with them?
Recipe options!
Try steaming the broccoli if you want a softer texture. (not raw)
Add boiled, shelled edamame for extra protein and fiber. (not raw)
Have white cabbage? Feel free to sub or use a mix!
Need oil-free, vegan? Simply leave out the oil!
The special sauce
When you're building a dressing or sauce, you need something a little salty, a little sweet, and a bit of acid.
This sauce has got it all.
You can use this as a dressing, sauce, or drizzle over grilled veggies, tofu, tempeh....just about anything! I used Mighty Sesame Tahini. It's so smooth and I like the pour-able container. I also like that it's one ingredient and no oil added.
Thai Noodle Salad Bowl
Serves 5 1-cup servings
Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Salad
1 pkg kelp noodles, rinsed and drained
1 small head broccoli (and stalk), chopped (option to lightly steam for softer texture)
2 green onions, sliced
1 cup chopped red cabbage
3 carrots, julienned
2 Tbsp black sesame seeds
2 Tbsp white sesame seeds
Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
Shelled edamame is an awesome addition for added protein and fiber! (totally optional)
Sauce
1/4 cup raw nut butter of choice, I used tahini - I love this brand
1 Tbsp liquid aminos (or more, to taste)
1 Tbsp ume plum vinegar (or rice vinegar will be fine)
1 Tbsp maple syrup, raw organic agave or raw local honey (non-vegan)
2 tsp organic chili sauce (Sriracha)
1/2 Tbsp raw sesame oil (optional, omit for oil-free)
Directions
1. Whisk sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl and set aside.
2. Add salad ingredients to a large bowl; pour dressing over salad mixture; mix with hands to combine and coat the noodles and vegetables evenly.
Nutrition Facts
5 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 174.2
Total Fat 11.6 g
Saturated Fat 2.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat 5.0 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 751.3 mg
Potassium 394.6 mg
Total Carbohydrate 14.5 g
Dietary Fiber 4.1 g
Sugars 6.9 g
Protein 6.1 g
Vitamin A 99.1 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 11.8 %
Vitamin C 62.0 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 10.9 %
Calcium 11.4 %
Copper 17.6 %
Folate 14.1 %
Iron 10.4 %
Magnesium 15.4 %
Manganese 19.9 %
Niacin 13.4 %
Pantothenic Acid 4.0 %
Phosphorus 13.2 %
Riboflavin 6.0 %
Selenium 3.6 %
Thiamin 8.2 %
Zinc 8.0 %
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Eat to have more energy to travel, play with your kids, or work out
Eat to sleep better and wake up refreshed
Eat to fight headaches so you can focus on your purpose, goals and dreams
Eat good mood food to fight depression
Eat yourself to your ideal weight with nutrient dense foods
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