Asian Salad Dressing

This Asian Salad Dressing is a quick and easy homemade dressing packed with savory, tangy, and sweet flavors. Made with fresh garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, it’s the perfect addition to your favorite salads, Asian-inspired dishes, or as a marinade for meats and tofu. Whether you’re looking for a healthy salad dressing, a flavorful topping, or a dipping sauce, this versatile dressing will enhance any meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation methods—blender, bowl, or glass jar—this Asian salad dressing is a must-try recipe for anyone craving vibrant, fresh flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (chopped)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 ½ tablespoons honey (see Notes for vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (see Notes for paleo option)
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

Blender Method:

1. Add the garlic, fresh ginger, olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt to a blender.
2. Blend until all ingredients are fully combined and the dressing is smooth.

Bowl & Whisk Method:

1. Finely mince or press the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger.
2. Add the garlic and ginger to a bowl, then pour in the olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt.
3. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Glass Jar Method:

1. Finely mince or press the garlic, and grate the ginger.
2. Add the garlic and ginger to a glass jar, then pour in the olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt.
3. Secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until everything is fully combined.

To Serve

• Serve the dressing immediately, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce creates a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, making this dressing ideal for any salad or as a marinade.
• Quick and Easy: This dressing is simple to make with just a few ingredients and takes only minutes to prepare, either by blending, whisking, or shaking.
• Healthy Option: Made with wholesome ingredients like olive oil, honey, and fresh garlic, this dressing is a great way to add flavor without processed additives.

---

Tips

• Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week.
• Customize the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a little more rice vinegar or a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.
• Blender Tip: For a smoother texture, use a high-speed blender to break down the garlic and ginger completely.
• Sweetness: Adjust the honey to your taste for a sweeter or less sweet dressing.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey for a plant-based alternative.
• Paleo Option: If following a paleo diet, substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
• Oil Substitute: You can swap the olive oil for avocado oil or another neutral oil if you prefer.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to give the dressing a spicy boost.

---

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A: While rice vinegar is traditional, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

Q: Can I use bottled ginger instead of fresh?
A: Fresh ginger will provide the best flavor, but you can use bottled ginger if necessary. Just adjust the amount according to your taste.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for Asian-Inspired Salads: Drizzle this dressing over mixed greens, shredded cabbage, or a cucumber-carrot slaw for a refreshing, flavorful salad.
• Marinade: Use as a marinade for chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a savory infusion of flavor.
• Dipping Sauce: This dressing also makes an excellent dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or roasted vegetables.