If you’re trying to replicate dressings that you find at Japanese restaurants, this one might be for you! You get a big punch of flavor from miso, ginger, and sesame and tang from rice vinegar and lemon.
We keep a bottle of this in our fridge at all times since we love Asian salads!
What Makes Miso Sesame Dressing Healthy?
As you may already know, I am a fan of miso because of its benefits for gut health. Miso is good for your gut because it contains probiotics and enzymes that help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and aid in digestion.
Fresh ginger offers anti-inflammatory properties and digestive support.
And if you’re putting it on a salad, all the better! Miso sesame dressing pairs well with a variety of greens, including spinach, kale, mixed greens, arugula, shredded cabbage, or bok choy.
Add a variety of colorful veggies to your salad to maximize texture and diversity of plant fibers and nutrition to your diet!
Ingredients for Miso Sesame Dressing
I like to regularly keep these ingredients on hand since this dressing is a staple in our fridge! For the dressing you’ll need:
- white miso paste (this article on miso describes the different types of miso)
- rice vinegar (regular or seasoned is fine, but see recipe notes for adjustments to the quantity of honey)
- avocado oil (or other neutral, healthy oil)
- honey
- sesame oil
- soy sauce or tamari
- grated fresh ginger
- fresh lemon or lime juice
- garlic powder
- warm water (optional – to thin the dressing if desired)
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to Make Miso Sesame Dressing
It’s all a matter of whisking everything together:
- To grate the fresh ginger, you can use a zester-style grater with a handle, or Japanese ceramic grater. I use this one.
- In a small to medium bowl, whisk the miso paste into the rice vinegar until smooth.
- Whisk in all of the remaining ingredients until well combined. Two other methods to mix it: 1) Put all ingredients in a jar or salad dressing container and shake vigorously, or 2) Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- If you want a thinner dressing, or if you want to dilute the flavors a bit, whisk or blend in 1 to 2 tbsp warm water.
Pictured above: Whisking method in a bowl.
Pictured above: Blending method in a small food processor.
Serving Suggestions
Miso sesame dressing is versatile and can go with raw or grilled vegetables, proteins, grains, or noodles. Here are specific ideas:
- Salad Dressing: Toss it with mixed greens, shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced cucumbers for a refreshing salad.
- Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or sushi rolls.
- Hot Vegetables: Drizzle it over steamed or roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus.
- Buddha Bowls: Mix it into cooked quinoa or brown rice and add veggies for a nutritious, flavorful bowl.
- Noodles: Use it as a dressing for cold noodle salads with soba noodles or rice noodles.
- Sauce for Proteins: Serve it alongside grilled or roasted chicken, fish, or tofu as a flavorful sauce.
Miso Sesame Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp white miso paste
- 3 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 Tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger (If it extracts juice, include it)
- 1.5 tsp fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 - 2 Tbsp warm water (optional, to adjust thickness and flavor intensity)
Instructions
- In a small to medium bowl, whisk the miso paste into the rice vinegar until smooth.
- Whisk in the remaining ingredients until well combined. Other mixing methods: 1) Put all ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously, 2) Put all ingredients in a small food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- If you'd like to reduce the intensity of flavors, add 1 to 2 Tbsp of warm water and mix well.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
How long does Sesame Miso Dressing last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Sesame Miso Dressing can last for up to a week.
Can I make Sesame Miso Dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors often meld together and become even more delicious after sitting for a day.
Is Sesame Miso Dressing gluten-free?
It depends on the ingredients used. Ensure that the miso paste and soy sauce (if used) are labeled gluten-free.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with other sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a bit of brown sugar for a vegan or different flavor profile.
What type of miso should I use?
I prefer using white (shiro) miso for a milder and less salty flavor than red miso, which has a stronger, more robust taste.
