Japanese Deli Style Lotus Root and Hijiki Sesame Mayo Salad
A creamy and nutty Japanese deli style salad made with crisp lotus root, hijiki, carrots, and edamame. It is an easy, colorful side dish that is also perfect for bento boxes.
If you love the colorful salads found in Japanese department store food halls, this Lotus Root and Hijiki Sesame Mayo Salad is an easy one to recreate at home. Crisp lotus root and carrots give it plenty of texture, while hijiki adds savory depth and edamame brings a fresh pop of color.
The creamy dressing combines mayonnaise, concentrated mentsuyu, and plenty of sesame for a rich, nutty flavor with a distinctly Japanese touch. Once chilled, the flavors blend together beautifully.
It is perfect when you need one more side dish for dinner, and it also works wonderfully as a make ahead dish or colorful addition to a bento box.
What you'll need
- 100 g lotus root
- 1/3 carrot
- 30 g frozen edamame
- 10 g dried hijiki
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp triple concentrated mentsuyu
- 2 tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp vinegar
How to make it
Soak the dried hijiki in enough water to cover until rehydrated, then drain well. Thinly slice the lotus root and soak it in water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Drain and boil for about 2 minutes, then drain thoroughly. Julienne the carrot and boil for about 1 minute. Thaw the edamame and remove the beans from the pods.
Place the lotus root, hijiki, carrot, and edamame in a bowl. Add the mayonnaise, mentsuyu, ground sesame seeds, and white sesame seeds. Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips
- Drain the lotus root, hijiki, and carrots thoroughly before adding the dressing. Excess moisture can make the sesame mayo dressing watery.
- Do not overcook the lotus root. Keeping it crisp gives the salad its signature Japanese deli style texture.
- Edamame is optional, but it adds beautiful color and extra texture. Chilling the salad before serving also helps the flavors blend together.
What to drink with it
