Citrus Sesame Ginger Dressing & Salad
Asian Inspired Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
How to Make Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing + A Colorful Crunchy Salad!
Bright citrus, savory umami, a kick of ginger—this citrus sesame ginger dressing is a must-try! Chock-full of enticing flavors, all in one deliciously light, drizzle-able dressing. I love this sesame ginger salad dressing served over a colorful, crunchy salad, but it’s also perfect for cold noodle slaws and protein marinades!
The base of extra-virgin olive oil is a nutritious starting point, with loads of anti-inflammatory fats and a subtle, rich flavor. Then, the sesame oil and soy sauce bring the savory, umami goodness that I crave, plus some satisfying acidity from the rice vinegar, and it’s all tied together by the sweet orange juice. With a dash of fresh grated ginger, this dressing makes ANY meal more exciting!
And, it couldn’t be easier to make. Simply whisk together all of your ingredients, and it’s ready to serve or store. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep salads, or last-minute marinades!
I’ve shared a colorful, Asian-inspired salad that I like to pair with this dressing below, featuring purple cabbage, avocado, and a crunchy noodle topping. But, like I said, don’t feel limited to this or any salad. Slather it onto a cold noodle slaw, use it as a marinade, or turn it into a dip by whisking it into some mayonnaise!
Sesame Ginger Dressing Ingredients
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil*
2 Tbsp sesame oil
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 Tbsp orange juice
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp honey
1-2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated (to taste)
1 clove garlic, finely minced
Note on Oils:
*If you plan to cook with this sesame ginger dressing (i.e. as a marinade), be sure to use a high smoke point oil!
Extra-virgin olive oil has a low smoke point—meaning it will release toxic byproducts when heated above a certain temperature, and it is best used on cold dishes like salads. For cooking, use high smoke point oils like light or extra-light olive oil, or avocado oil.
How to Make Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing
In a large bowl, measuring cup, or storage container, combine all sesame ginger dressing ingredients. Whisk well to combine, until integrated. (Be sure to mince ingredients well if a smoother dressing is preferred.)
Once whisked, it’s ready to serve immediately! Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this will last about 1 week. Try out this dressing with the crunchy salad I’ve shared below, drizzle it onto your favorite salad, or try it as a marinade!
5 Healthy Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
Citrus Sesame Ginger Dressing & Salad
Ingredients
Citrus Sesame Ginger Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil*
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated (to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
Colorful Crunchy Salad (1 serving)
- 2 cups mixed greens
- ¼ cup shredded carrot
- ¼ cup shredded purple cabbage
- ¼ avocado, cubed
- 2 Tbsp crunchy noodles
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl or storage container and whisk well to combine.
- Serve over salad immediately, or transfer to a jar or container to store. Lasts up to a week in the fridge.
- Yields 1 ¼ cups dressing.
