Miso-Ginger Salad Dressing
Bright, zesty, and packed with umami goodness. Fresh ginger, white miso, and rice vinegar come together in minutes for a dressing that rivals any Japanese restaurant. Drizzle over crisp greens or grain bowls for a flavor-packed finish.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Grate the ginger.
Peel a thumb-sized piece of ginger and grate finely on a microplane or the smallest holes of a box grater. Collect the pulp and juice.
TIPGrating instead of chopping releases maximum ginger flavor into the dressing. - mix · ~2 min
Whisk together the miso base.
1.In a medium bowl, add white miso paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.2.Whisk until the miso is fully dissolved and no lumps remain.3.Pour in the water and whisk again to loosen the mixture. - mix · ~1 min
Add the fresh seasonings.
1.Add the grated ginger, honey, and soy sauce to the bowl.2.Whisk thoroughly until the honey is incorporated and the dressing is smooth.3.Taste and add a pinch of salt, whisking to dissolve.TIPThe dressing will taste sharp right after mixing. Let it sit 5 minutes for the ginger and miso to mellow. - rest · ~10 min
Rest the dressing for flavors to meld.
Let the dressing sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Stir again just before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Grate ginger on a microplane to release its juice and aromatic oils for maximum flavor.
- 2Let the dressing rest 5-10 minutes after mixing so the miso and ginger mellow and meld.
- 3Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week; shake well before using.
- 4If the dressing thickens after chilling, thin with a teaspoon of warm water and whisk.
- 5Use a high-quality toasted sesame oil for a deeper, nuttier aroma that elevates the whole dressing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a fully plant-based dressing that still offers sweetness and body.
creamyCreamy
Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt or silken tofu and blend until smooth for a rich, creamy version perfect for dipping vegetables.
spicySpicy
Add ½ teaspoon of sriracha or chili oil for a kick of heat that pairs beautifully with the ginger and miso.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari and omit the added salt to reduce sodium without sacrificing taste.
citrusCitrus
Replace 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar with fresh orange or yuzu juice for a bright, fruity twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Probiotics
White miso is fermented, introducing beneficial live bacteria that support gut health and digestion.
Anti-Inflammatory Ginger
Fresh ginger contains gingerol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Healthy Fats from Sesame Oil
Toasted sesame oil provides polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which support heart health when used in moderation.
Low-Calorie Flavor Boost
This dressing packs bold flavor with minimal calories per serving, making it a smart choice for salads without heavy oils or creams.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but expect a saltier, more pungent flavor. Start with 1½ tablespoons and adjust to taste.
