Seaweed Salad or Ensaladang Lato is a type of Filipino salad that makes use of edible seaweed as its main ingredient. These types of seaweeds are sometimes called sea grapes because of its grape-like appearance.
This recipe features two different types of Lato: the small circular variety and the bigger ones with an oval shape. Choose which type you like. I had to make use of both because I got these fresh from the wet market and I wanted to taste both types while at this condition. The result was as expected; both turned out fresh and delicious. It was the best side dish for fried fish and grilled squid.
I enjoy having ensalada for my Filipino meal. I enjoy ensaladang lato as much as I liked ensaladang talong.
The good thing about making seaweed salad is its ease in preparation. It is just like making a dip for your crispy pata: combine all the ingredients in a bowl (except for the lato), mix well, and add the lato. Toss. Leave it for a few minutes to soak and then you can enjoy it.
This edible seaweed is abundant in the Philippines. The lady from the wet market where I got these from told me that these were from Batangas. I am sure that this seaweed or its similar varieties are scattered all around the country. I even read an interesting story narrating an experience in harvesting lato in Palawan. That sounds quite an adventure.
Try this Seaweed Salad Recipe (Ensaladang Lato). Let me know what you think.
Seaweed Salad Recipe (Ensaladang Lato)
Ingredients
- ¼ lb. lato or sea grapes, rinsed
- 1 large plum tomato cored and diced
- 1 medium red onion minced
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon granulated white sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar, tomato, and onion. Stir to mix.
- Add the lato or sea grapes. Toss. Let it stay for at last 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve.
- Share and enjoy!
Nutrition
Jan says
I’ve just bought some sea grapes and this recipe sounds delicious,I will try it.
Eloise acierto says
Hi ask lang po if anytime ok lang kumain ng ensaladang lato? I mean ok lang ba if kumain po ng lato during dinner time?thank you
Nancy says
Thanks much for sharing!
lifen says
my tatay used to do this, but sometimes he adds hilaw na manga and its so good.
Janie says
This looks so good I want to dive right in it! But where would I find these sea Grapes ( they look like green pearls even without other colorful ingredients (as in the first part of the article) I still wanted to dive in…I’m on the East Coast
Vanjo Merano says
I am not sure if there are sea grapes exported here in North America. However, it should be bountiful in South East Asia.
Ana says
Hi Mr. Vanjo,
Is it ok if I use kelps intead of Lato? We don’t have Lato here in Canada.
Thanks for sharing your good recipes.
Vanjo Merano says
Ana -- Kelps are also seaweeds, but these are not the same as Lato. Although you can try to use Kelp for this recipe, I cannot guarantee the result. I would recommend making Kelp Slaw instead.
Fedelyn says
Paborito ko po ito,thank you for this recipe
Vanjo Merano says
Wala pong anuman, Fedelyn 🙂
Renee Avila says
This is how exactly my mom makes it. Thank you for the recipe.
Vanjo Merano says
You are welcome 🙂 Do not forget to thank your mom for making this for you 🙂
jassy says
You forget the genger,its more delicious with genger adding on it,,
Vanjo Merano says
Jassy, thanks for the feedback. I believe that I did not forget a thing. I use ginger mostly for fish and other ingredients that are either fishy or pungent. It is a good ingredient to take away the unwanted odor and taste. As for Lato, I think that adding ginger can distract your taste buds and prevent you from enjoying the natural taste of the sea grapes.
Fedelyn says
I agree,thank you po sa recipe, can i copy this recipe and post it on my facebook page?thank you
Vanjo Merano says
Sure po, please do.