Asian Salad Dressing
Every time I whip up this Asian Salad Dressing, I can’t help but think of the vibrant salads I enjoyed on my travels through Asia. The perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory has made this dressing a staple in my kitchen. It’s incredibly versatile—ideal for drizzling over a fresh garden salad or tossing with crisp vegetables. The first time I made this dressing, I was astonished at how simple yet flavorful it was. I remember serving it to friends during a gathering, and it received rave reviews. Who knew something so easy could impress so much?
Recipe Snapshot
2 mins
2 mins
0 mins
Medium
70 kcal
0 g
Whole30, Vegan, Low FODMAP
7 g
Whisk
Why Try This Asian Salad Dressing
It’s All About the Flavor
What I love most about this Asian Salad Dressing is its depth of flavor. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar brings a rich umami taste that elevates any salad.
Quick and Easy
In just two minutes, you can whip up this dressing! You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen for a delicious meal. With just a whisk and a bowl, you’re ready to go. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but wholesome.
Health Conscious
This dressing is not only tasty but also healthier than many store-bought options. You can control the ingredients, ensuring that everything is fresh and free from preservatives. Pair it with fresh greens, and you have a nutritious addition to your meal.
Versatile Pairing
Whether you’re using it on a simple salad or as a marinade for grilled vegetables, this Asian Salad Dressing complements a variety of dishes. It’s the kind of dressing that can turn any ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
Make Ahead
You can prepare this dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep. I’ve found that the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when it’s time to serve.
Perfect for Entertaining
Finally, this dressing is great for gatherings. I always make a double batch for parties. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and my guests appreciate a homemade touch. Trust me; it’s a conversation starter!
Asian Salad Dressing Shopping List

The ingredients of this Asian Salad Dressing work together beautifully to create a harmonious balance of flavors. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect taste profile. Here are the key players:
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This ingredient brings a salty umami flavor without overwhelming the dressing. Using low-sodium variants helps control the saltiness.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty richness that enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the oils.
- Olive Oil: Acts as a base to emulsify the dressing, giving it a smooth texture.
- Honey or Sugar: A touch of sweetness rounds out the flavors, making the dressing well-balanced.
How to Make Asian Salad Dressing

Making this Asian Salad Dressing is as easy as it gets! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dressing ready to elevate your meals. Here we go:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, olive oil, and honey or sugar. Having everything ready will streamline the process.
Take a medium bowl and add low-sodium soy sauce to it. This will act as the flavor base. You can use about 1 tablespoon, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
Next, pour in 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. This oil is rich in flavor and will significantly enhance the dressing.
Now, add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. This ingredient provides that necessary acidity, balancing out the richness of the oil.
Don’t forget the olive oil! Add 1 tablespoon to ensure the dressing has a smooth, pourable consistency.
If you enjoy a subtle sweetness, mix in 1 and a half teaspoons of honey or 1 teaspoon of sugar. This will round off the flavors nicely.
Whisk everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be uniform in color and free of lumps.
Once combined, taste the dressing. Adjust any ingredient according to your liking. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or more honey for sweetness.
Drizzle it over your favorite salad, tossing lightly to ensure the greens are evenly coated. This dressing works wonderfully with mixed greens, cucumbers, and carrots.
Lastly, if you have any leftover dressing, transfer it to an airtight jar or container. Store it in the fridge, and it should last up to two weeks. Just remember to give it a good shake or whisk before using it again.
Things Worth Knowing
- Flavor balance is key: The combination of salty, sweet, and tangy is essential for a well-rounded dressing.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshness enhances flavor. Always opt for fresh olive oil and rice vinegar.
- Adjust to taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Feel free to modify the sweetness or saltiness to your liking.
- Storage tips: Keep the dressing in a sealed container to maintain freshness and flavor over time.
Tips and Variations

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Asian Salad Dressing, here are some tips and variations to consider:
- Storage: Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dressing, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, store it in an ice cube tray for easy portioning.
- Pairing: This dressing pairs well with grilled chicken or tofu, making it a great addition to any protein-packed salad.
- Add spices: Consider adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or grated ginger for a fresh flavor boost.
- Use as a marinade: Try using this dressing as a marinade for vegetables or meat before grilling for an extra flavor infusion.
- Try different vinegars: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Adjust oil ratios: Feel free to adjust the amount of olive oil or sesame oil according to your taste preferences.
Serving Options for Asian Salad Dressing
When it comes to serving this Asian Salad Dressing, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas:
- On Mixed Greens: Drizzle it over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- With Noodles: Toss it with cold noodles and a variety of veggies for a light and flavorful meal.
- As a Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls or dumplings.
- With Grilled Proteins: This dressing makes an excellent marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp, adding a burst of flavor.
- Seasonal Salads: Enhance seasonal salads with this dressing, pairing well with ingredients like mandarin oranges or avocado.
- Picnics and Gatherings: Bring it to potlucks or barbecues; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- With Tofu: Drizzle it over grilled or baked tofu for a hearty yet healthy option.
FAQ
Conclusion
This Asian Salad Dressing encapsulates a delightful blend of flavors that can transform simple salads into culinary masterpieces. It’s quick, easy, and made with fresh ingredients that you can control. I encourage you to give it a try—I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your household. Perfect for any occasion, this dressing is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the vibrant taste and versatility it brings to your meals.

Asian Salad Dressing
Equipment
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Honey or Sugar
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, olive oil, and honey or sugar. Having everything ready will streamline the process.
- Take a medium bowl and add low-sodium soy sauce to it. This will act as the flavor base. You can use about 1 tablespoon, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
- Next, pour in 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. This oil is rich in flavor and will significantly enhance the dressing.
- Now, add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. This ingredient provides that necessary acidity, balancing out the richness of the oils.
- Don’t forget the olive oil! Add 1 tablespoon to ensure the dressing has a smooth, pourable consistency.
- If you enjoy a subtle sweetness, mix in 1 and a half teaspoons of honey or 1 teaspoon of sugar. This will round off the flavors nicely.
- Whisk everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be uniform in color and free of lumps.
- Once combined, taste the dressing. Adjust any ingredient according to your liking. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or more honey for sweetness.
- Drizzle it over your favorite salad, tossing lightly to ensure the greens are evenly coated. This dressing works wonderfully with mixed greens, cucumbers, and carrots.
- Lastly, if you have any leftover dressing, transfer it to an airtight jar or container. Store it in the fridge, and it should last up to two weeks. Just remember to give it a good shake or whisk before using it again.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dressing, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, store it in an ice cube tray for easy portioning.
- Pairing: This dressing pairs well with grilled chicken or tofu, making it a great addition to any protein-packed salad.
- Add spices: Consider adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or grated ginger for a fresh flavor boost.
- Use as a marinade: Try using this dressing as a marinade for vegetables or meat before grilling for an extra flavor infusion.
- Try different vinegars: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Adjust oil ratios: Feel free to adjust the amount of olive oil or sesame oil according to your taste preferences.


