When the summer heat is relentless, cold dishes become a lifesaver. With temperatures soaring, a light and refreshing salad can bring back your appetite. One of my recent favorites? A spicy and tangy cold kelp salad—simple, plant-based, yet incredibly flavorful.
The beauty of cold dishes lies in their versatility. Almost anything can be turned into a refreshing salad with the right seasoning. But this particular combination of kelp, tofu skin, and fresh veggies has me hooked. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with umami, and delivers a satisfying crunch. Every bite transports me to a street-side vendor, indulging in a moment of cool relief.
If you’re looking for an easy yet addictive summer dish, this kelp salad is a must-try! 
🌿 Why This Cold Kelp Salad Stands Out?
This dish is a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The tender kelp strips and chewy tofu skin (also known as dried bean curd sheets) are lightly blanched, while cucumber and carrot add a crisp bite. The magic happens when everything is tossed in a spicy, tangy dressing with chili oil, vinegar, and sesame seeds.
Plus, it’s:
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 10 minutes.
✔ Nutritious – Rich in fiber, iodine, and plant-based protein.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it chilled anytime.
🥢 How to Make Spicy Cold Kelp Salad
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
- 200g kelp strips
- 100g tofu skin (cut into thin strips)
- 20g cucumber (julienned)
- 20g carrot (julienned)
- 8g fresh chili (sliced, optional for heat)
- 5g cilantro (chopped)
- 5g scallions (chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp Sichuan pepper powder
- 2 tbsp black vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 30g hot oil (heated until smoking, then poured over the spices for aroma)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Blanch the Kelp & Tofu Skin
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the kelp strips and tofu skin, blanch for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water to retain a firm texture. Drain well.
2. Prep the Vegetables
Slice the cucumber, carrot, fresh chili, and chop the cilantro and scallions.
3. Mix the Dressing
In a bowl, combine garlic, salt, sugar, Sichuan pepper powder, vinegar, soy sauce, chili powder, and sesame seeds.
4. Heat the Oil
In a small pan, heat oil until it just starts smoking. Carefully pour it over the spices in the dressing to enhance the flavors.
5. Toss & Serve
Add all the ingredients into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over, toss everything together, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve chilled or at room temperature for the ultimate summer refreshment!
🥗 Final Thoughts: A Simple Yet Addictive Cold Dish
With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this cold kelp salad is a fantastic way to beat the heat. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer, a quick lunch, or a refreshing side dish, this recipe is a keeper.
Try it after work, enjoy it with a summer breeze, and experience the magic of chilled, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.
