Easy Healthy Sesame Ginger Dressing- You'll Make all Summer Long!

Name: Healthy Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: ⅔ cup
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup, honey simple syrup, agave or sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or gluten-free liquid aminos; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, very finely minced or use ginger paste; 1 fat garlic clove, finely minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or a squirt of Sriracha; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

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Tangy, sweet, and flavorful, this sesame ginger dressing is delicious on slaws and salads. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, it’s healthy, vegan and gluten-free!

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Ginger Dressing

Here’s an Asian dressing you’ll want to make all summer long! We’ve been using this sesame ginger dressing recipe in our salads over the years, and I feel it deserves a special call-out. (You’ll recognize it from our Easy Crunchy Asian Slaw , this Ahi Tuna Salad, and more!) Lately, I’ve been making a jar of it to store in the fridge for quick, healthy summer slaws and salads. And here’s what is great about it:

I love how punchy and zingy it is! Fresh ginger and garlic give it a one-two punch! It holds up well to peppery cabbage, noodles, and spicy greens, while still being super light and refreshing. Toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds add an earthy depth and rich umami flavor.
Light, lean, and healthy! Made with simple, wholefood ingredients!
There’s no blending involved – place ingredients in a jar and shake shake shake!

Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe Ingredients

sesame ginger dressing ingredients labeled and arranged neatly in glass bowls - soy sauce, ginger, garlic, maple syrup, sesame oil, salt, pepper flakes, olive oil, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds.

Sesame oil: Use regular or toasted sesame oil. Toasted adds a little extra depth and richness.
Fresh ginger: Grate or finely mince the ginger, or substitute with ginger paste.
Olive oil: Provides a smooth and balanced base for the dressing.
Rice wine vinegar: Adds acidity and a tangy flavor to balance the richer ingredients.
Maple syrup: For subtle sweetness. Sub honey simple syrup, agave, or sugar.
Soy sauce: Or use gluten-free liquid aminos, coconut aminos, or tamari (taste and adjust, as salt levels may vary).
Garlic clove: Use finely minced garlic or use a garlic press.
Red pepper flakes: For heat. Or use a squirt of sriracha.
Toasted sesame seeds: Adds umami depth while adding a bit of crunchy texture.

How to Make healthy Sesame Ginger Dressing

1. Add all ingredients to a jar. Add olive oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and soy sauce to a small bowl or jar. Add the finely minced ginger and garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.

garlic press is pressing minced garlic into a jar of sesame ginger dressing with a small whisk.

small silver whisk in small glass bowl of sesame ginger dressing.

2. Mix the dressing. Whisk the dressing or shake it in a sealed jar until combined.

3. Store. Store in a sealed jar or airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Shake before using.

glass jar of sesame ginger dressing with small wood and leather spoon next to it, holding some of the dressing.

Chef’s Cooking Tips

Taste and adjust. Once all of the ingredients are whisked together, taste the dressing and adjust the flavor based on your preferences for heat, depth, salt, and sweetness.
Grate the ginger and use a garlic press. Grating the ginger and pressing the garlic help both of these get super fine, allowing them to mix better with the rest of the dressing. If you are short for time using ginger paste and garlic paste (in a tube) is also an option! No judgement.
Shake before using. If storing the dressing for later, give the jar a good shake before using to reincorporate all of the ingredients.

Storage Tips

The sesame ginger dressing can be stored in a sealed mason jar or other airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Use this dressing on salads, slaws, grain bowls, and noodles, or even as a dipping sauce or marinade! It pairs well with crisp, bitter veggies and greens, like bok choy or romaine. You could also toss it with stir fries!

FAQs

What is sesame ginger dressing made of?

Our sesame ginger vinaigrette is made with sesame oil, extra virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, chili flakes, and salt.

What does sesame ginger sauce taste like?

Full of rich umami depth, with hints of sweet and tangy flavor, this sesame ginger dressing is rich, earthy, and balanced. Red pepper flakes or sriracha can be added for heat if desired.

What can I do with sesame ginger sauce?

Add this sesame ginger dressing to salads, cold noodles, or slaws, or use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or crisp veggies.

jar of healthy sesame ginger dressing with a spoon.

⭐️ If you try this sesame ginger dressing recipe, please let us know how it goes in the comments below! Your feedback is valuable and helps all of our readers. If you want more healthy food ideas, join my community below! xoxo Sylvia