Why You’ll Love This Sesame Ginger Dressing

Get ready for an Asian-inspired dressing that you’ll want to make on repeat throughout the summer! This sesame ginger dressing has been a staple in our salads for years, and it truly deserves its spotlight. Whether you’re drizzling it over an Easy Crunchy Asian Slaw, mixing it into an Ahi Tuna Salad, or just enjoying a simple salad, this dressing is a delightful addition to any meal!

• Punchy & Zingy: The fresh ginger and garlic provide an energetic kick, perfect for complementing peppery cabbage, noodles, and spicy greens. With toasted sesame oil and seeds elevating it to a whole new level, this dressing is both refreshing and deeply flavorful.
• Light and Lean: This recipe is crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients!
• No Blending Required: Just toss the ingredients in a jar and give it a hearty shake!

Ingredients for Sesame Ginger Dressing

• Sesame oil: Choose between regular or toasted sesame oil; the toasted variety adds an extra layer of richness.
• Fresh ginger: Grate or finely mince fresh ginger, or use ginger paste if you’re in a hurry.
• Olive oil: This smooth and balanced oil forms the base of the dressing.
• Rice wine vinegar: This will give your dressing a tangy kick to balance out the richer ingredients.
• Maple syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness; feel free to substitute with honey, agave, or sugar if needed.
• Soy sauce: You can also use gluten-free options like tamari or liquid aminos.
• Garlic: Finely minced garlic will provide that aromatic depth.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a bit of heat; you could also use sriracha for a corresponding kick.
• Toasted sesame seeds: These provide both a delightful crunch and an extra umami taste.

How to Make Healthy Sesame Ginger Dressing

1. Combine Ingredients

Begin by adding the olive oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and soy sauce into a jar or small bowl. Then, toss in the finely minced ginger and garlic, along with salt, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.

2. Mix the Dressing

Using a whisk, mix the dressing until all ingredients are well-combined. Alternatively, close the lid on your jar and shake it vigorously!

3. Store

Transfer the dressing to a sealed jar or airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—just remember to give it a good shake before using!

Chef’s Cooking Tips

1. Taste and Adjust: After mixing, taste the dressing and adjust it to your preference. You can tweak the heat level, sweetness or saltiness to suit your palate.
2. Prep Time Savers: Grating ginger and pressing garlic enhances their fine texture, integrating easily with the dressing. If you’re short on time, ginger and garlic pastes are great shortcuts.
3. Give It a Good Shake: If you’ve stored the dressing for later, don’t forget to shake it well before drizzling it on your dishes.

Storage Tips

This delicious sesame ginger dressing can be kept in a sealed mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Always shake it well before using.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dressing can be drizzled over salads, slaws, grain bowls, and even noodles. Think about using it as a dipping sauce or marinade as well! It pairs beautifully with crisp and slightly bitter vegetables and greens, like bok choy, romaine, and bell peppers. Don’t hesitate to toss it into your stir-fries for an added flavor boost!

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