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Spinach and Hijiki Salad (Quick and Easy Salad Recipe)

  • Writer: Miwa
    Miwa
  • Jun 29, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 12




Introduction


This Japanese spinach and hijiki salad is a quick and nutritious side dish often served in home-style meals. Spinach, hijiki seaweed, corn, and tuna are tossed in a creamy sesame dressing that is savory, crunchy, and satisfying to your tastebuds!


This is one of my favorite appetizers for lunch time! I like to pair it with rice, protein dish, and soup as part of a balanced Japanese meal philosophy called


If you struggle to get your daily nourishment of veggies, sea vegetables like hijiki are naturally rich in fiber and minerals, while spinach adds vitamins and freshness to the dish. Adding small side dishes like this is a simple way to make everyday meals more balanced and nourishing.





Nutritious Spinach and Hijiki Salad

(ひじきサラダ)


Yield: 4 servings


Prep time: 10 minutes


Cook time: 3 minutes



Ingredients


Main Ingredients

  • 1 bag spinach (200g)

  • 3 tbsp (10 g) dried hijiki seaweed

  • ½ can corn

  • 1 can tuna (80g)


Dressing

  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise

  • 1–1½ tbsp soy sauce

  • ½ tsp sugar

  • 1½ tbsp ground sesame seeds


Optional Toppings

  • Grated daikon radish

  • Japanese seven spice




Instructions


Preparation


  • Rehydrate the dried hijiki seaweed in water, then drain well.

  • If you are concerned about the sea smell of hijiki, you can briefly boil the rehydrated hijiki. Once it returns to a boil, strain the liquid and allow it to cool.


Steps


1. Blanch the spinach for 1 minute.


2. Cool it in an ice bath or under running water.


3. Squeeze out excess moisture and chop into bite-sized pieces.


4. In a bowl, combine spinach, rehydrated hijiki, corn, and drained tuna.


5. Add mayonnaise, soy sauce, sugar, and ground sesame seeds.


6. Mix well until evenly combined.



Miwa’s Tips

  • Dried hijiki expands to about five times its size when rehydrated.

  • Remove excess moisture from the spinach before mixing with the dressing.

  • If using baby spinach, you can skip the blanching step.



Storage Time

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


Tableware Pick




🌸 Gentle Note from Miwa 


A salad a day keeps the doctor away! It's also one way of being on track towards mindful living. If you want to further sustain a healthy lifestyle through Ichiju-sansai, my 60-day coaching program focuses on reshaping one's relationship with food. It’s not about strict rules, cutting portions, or trying to eat “perfectly.” It's about mindful choices without excess stress. Let's have a chat!




MIWA’s Recommendations

 

- My e-cookbooks available with vegan, breakfast, and meal prep versions.

I hope this will be helpful and enjoyable in your kitchen.

 

- MIWA's Tableware is NOW live!

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  • Miwa's Favorite Picks: perfect for starting your Japanese food journey at home.

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2026/03/10 MIWA


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