This Sesame Ginger Dressing is tangy, savory, and nutty with fresh ginger, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and a touch of Sriracha. It takes just minutes to shake together and instantly makes simple salads restaurant-worthy.

This flavorful dressing is great on an Asian noodle salad, a crisp arugula salad, or a fresh leafy greens salad.

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Sesame Ginger Dressing

• Flavor: Savory, tangy, and nutty with a bright hint of lime and a subtle kick of heat from Sriracha.
• Skill Level: No cooking required! This beginner-friendly recipe is mixed and chilled.
• Prep Note: This recipe uses fresh garlic, so be sure to store it in the refrigerator right after making and use it within 3 days.
• Serving Suggestions: Great on your favorite salads, drizzled over a salmon bowl, or as a dipping sauce with chicken lettuce wraps.

Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: 21 Tablespoons Cooking Method: Chilled

Ingredient Notes

• The Base: Vegetable oil acts as the perfect base for this dressing, as it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Swap it for canola, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavored oil.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Perfect to add a mild tang to this recipe. Use unseasoned rice wine vinegar so the sweetness can be controlled for the best flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the sodium. Tamari works well for this recipe, too!
• Honey: Sweetens and balances the rice wine vinegar. Can be replaced with maple syrup.
• Aromatics: Fresh minced garlic adds a savory bite while fresh ginger gives this dressing a fresh, gentle heat. Swap the fresh aromatics with ¼ teaspoon each of powdered garlic and ground ginger to extend the shelf life.
• Flavor Boosters: Toasted sesame oil delivers that signature nutty flavor (don’t skip it)! A splash of fresh lime juice (or bottled) adds a punch of citrus, and a teaspoon of Sriracha provides a subtle warmth.

Favorite Variations

• Add Texture: Stir in a teaspoon of sesame seeds for texture and a pretty finish.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of tahini or peanut butter to make this a creamy dressing perfect for sesame ginger noodle salad or Asian slaw.
• Swap the Citrus: Replace the lime juice with fresh-squeezed lemon juice or orange juice for a twist.

How to Make Sesame Ginger Dressing

1. Squeeze a lime, mince a clove of garlic, and grate some ginger.
2. Measure and add each ingredient (per recipe below) into a jar or cruet and shake to blend.

Storing the Dressing

Store sesame ginger dressing in a glass jar or salad dressing cruet in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before using, as it will separate as it sits.

Freezing is not recommended.

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