Dazzle It, Don’t Dress It: 7 Japanese Salad Dressing Recipes

Ditch the boring bottled stuff and prepare to create your own taste symphony. We’re going to go on a journey of Japanese salad dressing recipes. We’ll explore the secrets of Wafu’s tangy whisper, Goma’s creamy embrace, and Ponzu’s citrusy punch. Get ready to shake, whisk, and drizzle your way to salad nirvana!

And no, this isn’t your grandma’s mayonnaise massacre. ‍We’re talking fresh, vibrant ingredients that pack a flavour punch without the guilt. Think ginger’s fiery kiss, sesame’s nutty charm, and miso’s umami depth.️ Buckle up, tastebuds; we’re going on an adventure!

So, grab your whisks, your bowls, and your most adventurous spirit. In this kitchen, salads are not just food; they’re art. And we’re about to become culinary Picassos! ‍

Ready to take your salads from “meh” to “OMG”? Let’s dive in!

7 Must-Try Japanese Salad Dressing Recipes

There are many delicious Japanese salad dressing recipes, each with its unique flavour profile. Here are seven popular options you can try at home:

Wafu Dressing

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PolZX4NvbD8

This classic Japanese dressing is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, and sesame oil. It’s light, refreshing, and versatile and pairs well with various salads.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon grated onion
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Ginger Salad Dressing

httpss://youtu.be/8xixnsLnkkk?si=Gr7NTNJVDXO6U85f

This flavourful dressing is made with fresh ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It has a bit of a kick but is also sweet and savoury.

Ingredients

• 1/2 inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Goma Dressing (Sesame Dressing)

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QRlu4WrDzE

This creamy dressing is made with tahini, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It’s rich, nutty, and perfect for salads with greens, cucumbers, and carrots.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
2. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with water or rice vinegar.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Ginger-Ketchup Dressing

This creamy, tangy dressing is often served on salads with greens, cucumbers, and carrots. It’s believed to be inspired by American ranch dressing but with a distinctly Japanese twist.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Onion-Sesame Dressing

This light and refreshing dressing is a common choice for mixed greens and seafood salads. The onion and sesame oil add a nice depth of flavour.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
2. Let the dressing sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
3. Strain the dressing through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the onion pieces, if desired.
4. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tangy Miso Dressing

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbMYqZ_9Cuk

Miso paste, a fermented soybean paste, adds a unique depth of flavour and umami to dressings. Combined with the tanginess of rice vinegar and the richness of sesame oil, this dressing will surely become a staple in your salad repertoire.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons white miso paste (Shiro miso)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or mirin
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup water (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey/mirin, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
2. If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with water to your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more honey/mirin for sweetness, more rice vinegar for tanginess, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
4. Drizzle the dressing over your favourite salad greens, vegetables, and proteins.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for extra flavour and texture.

Tips

• Use white miso paste for a milder flavour or red miso paste for a deeper, earthier taste.
• You can substitute the honey/mirin with another sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Add a tablespoon of tahini for a richer, creamier dressing.
• This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Variations

• Ginger-Scallion Miso Dressing: Add 1/4 cup of chopped scallions with ginger for a fresh and vibrant flavour.
• Spicy Miso Dressing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for a kick of heat.
• Sesame-Peanut Miso Dressing: Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter along with the miso paste for a nutty and umami-rich flavour.

Classic Ponzu Dressing

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suO9GS4uBI4

Ponzu sauce, a Japanese citrus-based condiment, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in marinades, dips, and, of course, salad dressings. Its combination of citrus, soy sauce, and mirin creates a refreshing and flavourful dressing that complements a variety of ingredients. 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup ponzu sauce
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or mirin
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more honey/mirin for sweetness, more rice vinegar for tanginess, or another squeeze of Ponzu for a stronger citrus flavour.
3. Drizzle the dressing over your favourite salad greens, vegetables, and proteins.

Tips

• Use a good quality ponzu sauce for the best flavour. Look for one made with yuzu juice, a unique Japanese citrus fruit.
• You can adjust the olive oil to rice vinegar ratio to your preference. More olive oil will create a richer dressing, while more rice vinegar will make it lighter and tangier.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Benefits of Japanese Salad Dressing

Japanese salad dressing enhances every food’s taste and flavour while providing several health benefits, making it a must-have in every kitchen. So, discover a new way to enjoy your greens by exploring the vast world of Japanese dressings!

Here are some key advantages to consider:

Packed with Nutrients

• Soy Sauce: A rich source of umami flavour, soy sauce contains essential amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals like iron and magnesium.
• Rice Vinegar: This vinegar boasts anti-inflammatory properties and promotes gut health with its probiotic bacteria.
• Sesame Oil: Loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E, sesame oil supports heart and brain health.
• Ginger: This spicy root is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, aiding digestion and boosting immunity.

Lower in Calories and Fat

Compared to creamy Western dressings, Japanese options are generally lighter on calories and fat, making them a guilt-free way to enhance your salad.

Promotes Healthy Digestion

Ingredients like fermented rice vinegar and sesame oil encourage good gut bacteria, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.

Rich in Antioxidants

The abundance of ginger, sesame seeds, and other natural ingredients in Japanese dressings provides a shield against free radical damage and chronic diseases.

Boosts Metabolism

Certain ingredients like ginger and wasabi can slightly increase your metabolic rate, helping you burn calories more efficiently.

Supports Heart Health

Soy sauce and sesame oil contain good fats that can lower bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

Versatile and Flavourful

From the light and tangy Wafu dressing to the creamy goma dressing, there’s a Japanese salad dressing to suit every palate and preference.

Promotes Variety and Dietary Balance

Incorporating different Japanese dressings into your salads keeps your meals exciting and ensures you’re reaping the benefits of a wider range of nutrients.

Easy to Make at Home

Many delicious Japanese salad dressings can be whipped up in minutes with simple ingredients, allowing you to control the sugar and sodium content.

4 Secrets Every Chef Should Know

In this section, we will share five secrets that every chef should know when it comes to making the perfect Japanese salad dressing. These tips will take your dressing game to the next level, from preparing your ingredients to knowing what to serve with them.

So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets together!

Preparing Your Ingredients

It’s important to prepare your ingredients properly to make Japanese salad dressing. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, such as onions, olive oil, rice vinegar, ginger, celery, and carrots.

Make sure to chop the onions finely and grate the ginger before using them in the dressing. Dicing the celery and carrots into small pieces is also a good idea for better texture.

By taking the time to prepare your ingredients correctly, you’ll ensure that your Japanese salad dressing turns out delicious and flavourful. So let’s get started!

Blending

Blending is a crucial technique that every chef should know when making Japanese salad dressing. It involves mixing and combining all ingredients to create a smooth and flavourful dressing.

In the case of Japanese ginger salad dressing, you would start by roughly chopping carrots, peeled onion, and celery before placing them in a blender. Then, add other ingredients like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oil to the blender.

Once everything is in the blender, you blend it all until the ingredients are well-pureed. This blending process usually takes about 30 seconds to achieve the desired consistency for your dressing.

How Long Does Homemade Ginger Salad Dressing Last

It’s good to know how long it will last when it comes to homemade ginger salad dressing. You can keep your homemade dressing fresh and tasty by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

That way, you can enjoy its delicious flavour any time you want! If you store it properly, your homemade ginger dressing can even last up to a week and still be good. So go ahead and make a big batch. Just remember to store it in the fridge to maintain its freshness and savouriness.

What to Serve with Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing

There are many delicious options when it comes to serving Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing. Here are some ideas to enjoy this tasty dressing:

• Drizzle it over a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices for a light and refreshing side dish.
• Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra burst of flavour.
• Pour it over steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes to add a zesty kick.
• Serve it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings for an Asian-inspired appetiser.
• Use it as a coleslaw or pasta salad dressing to give them an Asian twist.

Finally, Ditch the Bottled Stuff

In conclusion, these recipes will add a delicious and unique twist to your salads. Whether you prefer the tangy Wafu dressing or the creamy sesame dressing, these recipes are easy to make and packed with flavours.

So why not make your own Japanese salad dressings at home and elevate your salads to a whole new level? Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Share with our social media