Creamy Asian Salad Dressing Recipe

When it comes to a creamy Asian salad dressing, the possibilities for pairing are endless. Here are a few delightful options that would complement the dressing beautifully: Crunchy Fresh Salads, Grilled Chicken or Tofu, Grain Bowls.

As a registered dietitian and food blogger, I’ve dabbled in countless dressings, but there’s something truly versatile about this one.

Whether you’re jazzing up a simple salad, marinating some protein, or creating a delicious grain bowl, this dressing makes it happen. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and simply satisfying.

By blending a few staple ingredients, you’ll whip up a dressing that’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right kick. Let’s dive deeper into why this recipe works, what it tastes like, and how you can easily put this together at home.

Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity of Ingredients
You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to create a delicious dressing. With items like tamari, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, you have a dressing that’s easy to put together. This also means you won’t need to make an extra trip to the grocery store for unique spices.

Versatility
This dressing isn’t just for salads. It doubles as a marinade for proteins and an accompaniment for grain bowls. You’ll find that it enhances various dishes, making it a staple in your kitchen.

Creamy Texture
With the addition of creamy mayonnaise, this dressing boasts a texture that’s not only satisfying but also coats your greens beautifully. The creaminess balances out the acidity of the vinegar, creating a harmonious blend.

Flavor Profile
Combining sesame oil, ginger, and sweet elements like honey gives this dressing a distinctive flavor. It’s a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy, making each bite memorable.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine a blend of umami, sweetness, and a slight tang that dances on your tongue. The first taste hits with a mild sweetness from honey, followed by the savory richness of sesame oil.

Then there’s a subtle kick from the ginger and a light acidity that brightens everything up. It’s a dressing that tastes just as good drizzled on a simple green salad as it does over grilled chicken.

What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Creamy Asian Salad Dressing Variations?

Many creamy Asian dressings rely heavily on processed ingredients or are overly sweet. What makes this recipe stand out is the carefully selected balance between health and taste.

Using high-quality tamari and olive oil adds depth without compromising health, and the addition of fresh ginger offers a level of authenticity that pre-made dressings lack.

Plus, it’s customizable—you can adjust the sweetness or acidity based on your preference.

The Ingredients

Before we get to the instructions, let’s quickly review what goes into this crowd-pleaser:

2-3 tablespoons tamari (or light soy sauce)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons creamy mayonnaise
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey (or a brown sugar alternative)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root (minced finely)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional for texture)
2 teaspoons mirin (optional for sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Make sure you have everything on the list in front of you. This makes the process smoother and quicker.

Step 2: Combine the Liquid Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the tamari, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, rice vinegar, and mayonnaise. Mixing these first allows you to ensure they combine well.

Step 3: Add Sweetness and Spice

Now, add the honey, freshly grated ginger, and garlic powder to the bowl. Whisk these into the liquid mixture. This is where the flavor begins to shine.

Step 4: Texture and Finish

To complete the dressing, toss in sesame seeds and mirin, if using. Give it another good whisk until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Take a spoonful and taste. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preference.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly grated ginger packs much more flavor than powdered ginger. This small detail makes a big difference.

Experiment with Sweetness – Adjust the honey or sugar based on your taste. If you want it less sweet, reduce the amount.

Customize Oil Ratio – If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the olive oil and replace it with more vinegar.

Make Ahead of Time – This dressing can be made a few days in advance. The flavors only get better as they meld together.

Store in an Airtight Container – This prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.

How Do You Store This Creamy Asian Salad Dressing?

The great news is that this salad dressing stores well. Here’s how:

Refrigerate – Keep it in a tightly sealed container. It can last about a week in the fridge.
Shake Before Use – You might notice some separation; give it a good shake or whisk before using it again.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage – You can freeze the dressing for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge the night before you plan to use it.

Sides for Creamy Asian Salad Dressing

Look no further than these ideas to complement your dressing even further:

Grilled Vegetable Skewers – Use seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Brush them with a little olive oil and grill them until they’re charred. The dressing works as a dip or drizzle for these delicious bites.

Asian-Inspired Grain Bowls – Combine brown rice or quinoa with sautéed bok choy, shredded carrots, and grilled chicken or tofu. Top with the creamy dressing; the flavors will meld beautifully.

Crunchy Slaw – Toss together cabbage, carrots, and sliced almonds or peanuts. Add the dressing for a vibrant side dish that adds crunch and flavor to any meal.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?

Tamari – You can use regular soy sauce or coconut aminos for a soy-free, gluten-free option.

Olive Oil – Substitute with avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Both offer a neutral flavor similar to olive oil.

Mayonnaise – For a vegan version, use a plant-based mayo or do a mashed avocado for a creamy alternative.

Rice Vinegar – White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work well in a pinch.

Anna Warden

As a registered dietitian and food blogger, I’ve dabbled in countless dressings, but there’s something truly versatile about this one.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Course Dressing

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl

Ingredients

2-3 tablespoons tamari adjust to taste; can substitute with light soy sauce
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons creamy mayonnaise
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or 2 tablespoons brown sugar alternative for a lower-sugar option
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root very finely minced
½ teaspoon garlic powder adds a mild savory depth to the dressing
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds optional, for added texture and nuttiness
2 teaspoons mirin Japanese rice wine, optional for subtle sweetness