Japan isn’t just about rice and soup; they love salads too. These dishes often act as refreshing sides to balance out heartier mains.
Here are 17 traditional Japanese salad recipes full of exotic textures and flavors ranging from seaweed to western-style potato blends.
1. Japanese Glass Noodle Salad
Known as harusame, this classic dish is a total winner in Japan. It features chewy glass noodles mixed with crisp veggies and tender ham for a light meal or simple side.
A savory sesame soy vinaigrette brings big flavor to this flexible appetizer. Stick to the standard carrot, cucumber, and ham trio or toss in extras like shredded egg and bean sprouts.
2. Spicy Bean Sprout Salad
Crisp bean sprouts give this zesty salad a serious bite. You toss them in a spicy sesame oil sauce for rich and nutty goodness.
Try piling this mixture on top of ramen noodles for a truly authentic feast.
3. Japanese Cucumber Salad
This peppery dish is loaded with crispy cucumbers and is sure to make you smile. It is light, healthy, and incredibly refreshing.
If you want a tangy treat that won’t weigh you down, this is the one. Just make it right before serving so you don’t end up with wilted cukes.
4. Japanese Seaweed Salad
Chewy, salty, and silky seaweed offers a distinct and delicious flavor profile. This restaurant-style recipe proves how easy it is to make your takeout favorite at home.
Simply mix soy sauce, red pepper, sesame oil, and soaked seaweed. Enjoy it cold with a sesame seed garnish on warm summer evenings.
5. Kani Salad
Kani is the Japanese take on crab salad. It features shredded crab and cucumber mixed with creamy spicy mayo and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
With only three main ingredients, this fuss-free dish packs a surprising amount of flavor.
6. Japanese Okra Salad
Okra plays a huge role in many Japanese salads, and this easy side highlights the often underrated veggie. You boil and slice the okra before dressing it in smoky, sweet soy sauce.
It is surprising how such a simple plate can deliver so much mouth-watering taste.
7. Tomato Myoga Salad
Tomato lovers will adore this refreshing bowl that highlights the juicy red fruit. It is best made in summer when tomatoes are at their plumpest.
The chopped pieces get dressed in a vinaigrette of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted seeds. It requires minimal prep and offers plenty of yummy goodness.
8. Japanese Potato Salad
While not typically associated with Japan, potato salad has actually been part of the cuisine for over a century. This traditional treat uses classic items like mustard and bacon but adds a few twists.
The Japanese version boosts nutrition with corn, carrots, cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, and ham. This satisfying side works great as a main meal too.
9. Daikon Salad
Enjoy plenty of crunch with this easy and refreshing salad. Daikon is a mild white radish prized for its subtle taste and firm texture.
Here, you shred it with mustard greens and add a drizzle of tangy plum dressing. This crunchy side makes a perfect addition to summer potlucks.
10. Japanese Mushroom Salad
If you have never marinated mushrooms before, you are truly missing out. This recipe lets them soak in a tangy mix of mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, and tamari.
Sitting in the sauce deepens their earthy taste and adds subtle sweetness. Try to find Japanese varieties like enoki or shimeji, though shiitake works well too.
11. Soba Noodle Salad
Thin buckwheat noodles with a nutty flavor form the base of this light salad. The dressing combines fresh ginger root with zesty lime and maple syrup.
It is sharp, sticky, and perfectly sweet. Feel free to add chicken or tofu for protein, or swirl in peanut butter for extra richness.
12. Green Bean Gomaae
Busy cooks will adore this simple four-ingredient salad. You simply blanch fresh green beans and toss them in a savory and sweet sesame dressing.
The whole dish takes just 20 minutes to prep and vanishes even faster.
13. Ramen Noodle Salad
You might know ramen from hot broth, but these tasty wheat noodles are great cold too. Here, they form the base of a chopped salad mix.
It bursts with colorful veggies like red cabbage, carrots, and green onion. This vibrant bowl makes a gorgeous addition to any dinner table.
14. Tofu Seaweed Salad
Chewy seaweed strands and tender tofu chunks get tossed in a homemade ginger dressing for this irresistible side. You can serve it over greens for a light dinner.
Or, pile it into a bowl for a quick and healthy snack.
15. Japanese Spinach Salad
Dark leafy spinach is a total nutritional powerhouse packed with iron and vitamin C. You blanch the greens until tender and dress them with a nutty sesame sauce.
Roasted sesame seeds add extra crunch on top. Serve this bright bowl with seafood or meats for a light side.
16. Edamame Salad
Stop running to the deli whenever cravings strike. You can make your own restaurant-style salad with this easy DIY recipe.
It is packed with healthy veggies like red bell pepper, cucumbers, and cilantro all swirled in a sesame vinaigrette.
17. Avocado Salad with Ponzu Dressing
This healthy and vegan summer salad is a total must-try. It is loaded with creamy avocado slices and a handful of leafy sprouts or micro-greens.
You will absolutely go crazy for the tangy ponzu dressing too. The sauce is so good that you will want to make extra for everything.