Japanese cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and attention to detail. When it comes to salads, the country’s creative approach to dressing ingredients elevates a simple bowl of greens into a culinary masterpiece. With a plethora of unique flavors and textures to explore, we’ve curated 18 mouth-watering Japanese salad dressings that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From the classic sesame miso combination to the spicy kick of wasabi lime, each dressing offers a distinct flavor profile that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Classic Sesame Miso Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this rich and savory dressing, combining the nutty flavor of sesame oil with the depth of miso paste. Perfect for topping your favorite greens or using as a marinade.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons tahini
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon miso paste
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, miso paste, grated ginger, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. With the blender running, slowly pour in sesame oil through the top.
4. Continue blending until well combined and emulsified.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Total time: 15 minutes
Spicy Mayo Ponzu Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this spicy and tangy dressing, combining the creaminess of mayonnaise with the bold flavors of ponzu.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ponzu sauce (see note)
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ponzu sauce, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (hands-on time)
Ginger Soy Vinaigrette
This Asian-inspired vinaigrette combines the warmth of ginger with the savory flavor of soy sauce, perfect for dressing salads or using as a marinade.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the oil through the top.
4. Continue blending until the vinaigrette is emulsified and thickened.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (simply blend and serve)
Yuzu Citrus Dressing
Elevate your salads and marinades with this refreshing and tangy yuzu citrus dressing, perfect for balancing bold flavors. With its unique blend of Japanese yuzu citrus, garlic, and herbs, this condiment is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed yuzu juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together yuzu juice, olive oil, garlic, and cilantro until smooth.
2. Add Dijon mustard and whisk until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Wasabi Lime Dressing
A zesty and refreshing condiment perfect for salads, marinades, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons wasabi paste
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, wasabi paste, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Umami Rich Shoyu Dressing
Elevate your salads and dishes with this savory and rich shoyu dressing, infused with the deep umami flavor of soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
2. Add grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in minced garlic.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready to use immediately.
This Umami Rich Shoyu Dressing is perfect for topping salads, using as a marinade, or serving alongside grilled meats and vegetables. Its deep, savory flavor will elevate any dish.
Sweet and Tangy Teriyaki Dressing
Add a touch of Asian-inspired flavor to your salads and marinades with this sweet and tangy teriyaki dressing. This homemade version is easy to make and packed with umami flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly add sesame oil and sesame seeds. Continue blending until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready to use immediately.
Creamy Tofu Wafu Dressing
This creamy dressing is a game-changer for salads, noodles, or as a dip. With its rich and velvety texture, you’ll be hooked from the first taste!
Ingredients:
– 1 block of extra-firm tofu (drained and crumbled)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add water and blend until combined.
4. Stir in Greek yogurt until well incorporated.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (mostly prep time)
Toasted Sesame Shiso Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and nutty dressing, featuring the unique flavor of shiso leaves. This versatile condiment is perfect for topping salads, grilled meats, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped shiso leaves (or substitute with cilantro or basil)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Stir in chopped shiso leaves (or substitute herb).
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Light and Refreshing Daikon Dressing
This dressing is a perfect accompaniment to any Asian-inspired dish, adding a burst of flavor and freshness with its sweet and tangy taste. Made with daikon radish, this recipe is also vegan-friendly and low in calories.
Ingredients:
– 1 large daikon radish, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine daikon radish, Greek yogurt, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add sesame oil and blend until well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Chilling time: 30 minutes
Garlic Shoyu Mirin Dressing
Elevate your salads and marinades with this savory and aromatic Japanese-inspired dressing. This Garlic Shoyu Mirin Dressing combines the pungency of garlic with the sweet and umami flavors of soy sauce and mirin.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce (Shoyu)
– 1/4 cup mirin
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and rice vinegar until smooth.
2. Add sesame oil and grated ginger; whisk until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Use as a dressing for salads or as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables.
Cooking Time: None
Avocado Wasabi Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and bold dressing, featuring the rich flavor of avocados and the pungent kick of wasabi.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated wasabi
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the wasabi, yogurt, lemon juice, and honey to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 1 1/2 cups of dressing
Ponzu and Green Onion Dressing
Ponzu and Green Onion Dressing Recipe
This Japanese-inspired dressing combines the tangy flavors of ponzu sauce with the pungency of green onions, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or as a dip for vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup ponzu sauce
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons chopped green onion (white and light green parts only)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together ponzu sauce, mayonnaise, and soy sauce until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped green onion and grated ginger until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: About 1 cup of dressing
Roasted Garlic Goma Dressing
Elevate your salads with this creamy and aromatic dressing made by roasting garlic and blending it with sesame oil, soy sauce, and other Asian-inspired ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 cloves of garlic
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap the garlic cloves in foil and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and mashed.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding salt and pepper to taste as needed.
5. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Spicy Togarashi Mayo Dressing
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this bold and spicy dressing that combines the flavors of Japan and Korea. This recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat in their food.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons togarashi powder (Korean chili flakes)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, togarashi powder, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth.
2. Add the grated ginger and whisk until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Sweet Miso and Honey Dressing
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this sweet and savory dressing that combines the richness of miso paste with the warmth of honey. This versatile condiment is perfect for those looking to add a touch of complexity to their meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
2. Add the water and whisk until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready in just a few minutes.
Use as a marinade, salad dressing, or sandwich spread. Enjoy!
Citrusy Kabosu Dressing
Elevate your salads and marinades with this refreshing citrus dressing featuring the unique flavor of kabosu, a Japanese yuzu variant.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed kabosu juice (or substitute with equal parts lemon and lime juice)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine kabosu juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready to use immediately.
Use this zesty dressing on salads, as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables, or as a dip for your favorite snacks. The citrusy flavor of kabosu adds a unique twist to any dish. Enjoy!
Herb-Infused Shiso Dressing
Elevate your salads with a refreshing and flavorful dressing infused with the subtle nuances of Japanese shiso leaves. This herb-infused dressing is perfect for spring and summer salads, or as a marinade for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup shiso leaves
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/2 cup neutral-tasting oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine shiso leaves, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth and the herbs are well-chopped.
3. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the oil through the top.
4. Continue blending until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salad game with these 18 flavorful Japanese salad dressing recipes! From classic combinations like Sesame Miso and Ginger Soy Vinaigrette, to bold and spicy options like Wasabi Lime and Spicy Mayo Ponzu, there’s something for every palate. Explore umami-rich dressings like Shoyu and Teriyaki, or opt for lighter flavors like Daikon and Ponzu with Green Onion. With a range of ingredients from soy sauce to miso paste, and even avocado and wasabi, you’ll find the perfect dressing to add zing to your next salad.
