Filipino Seaweed Salad with Vinegar

Eleanor Craig

Filipino Seaweed Salad with Vinegar, or 'Ensaladang Lato,' is a refreshing and vibrant dish that highlights the unique texture and briny flavor of fresh sea grapes (lato). This traditional Filipino salad is commonly enjoyed as a side dish, pairing beautifully with grilled seafood or meats. The crisp seaweed bursts with a delightful oceanic taste, balanced by the acidity of vinegar, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the mild bite of onions. It's a simple, yet deeply satisfying dish that embodies the flavors of the Philippines.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine Latin American / Caribbean

Servings bowls

Calories 41 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Strainer
Serving platter

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

7 oz fresh sea grapes (lato) Rinse gently to remove any grit
1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved for optimal texture
½ cup red onion Thinly sliced for a mild bite
2 tbsp coconut vinegar Can substitute with apple cider vinegar
1 tsp fish sauce Adds umami depth
1 tsp sugar Balances acidity
¼ tsp black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor

Instructions

Rinse the fresh sea grapes (lato) thoroughly in cold water, handling them gently to avoid breaking the delicate bulbs. Drain using a strainer.
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions.
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
Gently toss the sea grapes into the mixing bowl with the tomatoes and onions.
Drizzle the vinegar dressing over the salad and lightly toss until evenly coated. Avoid over-mixing to prevent damaging the sea grapes.
Transfer the salad to a serving platter and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp texture of the sea grapes.

Notes

For an extra burst of umami, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few drops of calamansi juice.

Nutrition

Calories: 41kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 238mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 241IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 2mg

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