Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing

This easy sesame ginger vinaigrette is perfect for dressing crunchy salads, chilled noodles, and healthy grain bowls.

When it comes to things like salads and grain bowls, the sauce is arguably the most important element – since it dictates the entire flavor profile of the meal.

I, for one, never buy bottled dressings since they’re almost always made with poor quality oil, too much sugar and salt, preservatives, and chemical stabilizers. The texture of most bottled dressings freaks me out too, and honestly – there are few whose flavor I’ve actually enjoyed.

When I make my own, on the other hand, I get to control the quality of the ingredients and create the exact flavor profile I’m craving. This Asian-inspired sesame ginger salad dressing is one of my all-time favorites – ideal for meal prep and speedy weekday lunches.

What’s In This Sesame Ginger Dressing

This vegan gluten-free dressing is made with fresh ginger, sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, tahini (or nut butter), maple syrup, and sesame oil. You just shake everything up in a jar (or whisk it together in a bowl), and bam – the perfect vinaigrette. (It’s got a similar flavor profile to the dressing typically served in Japanese restaurants.)

Key Ingredients + Substitutions

• Ginger: Fresh ginger gives this vinaigrette its signature floral aroma and peppery flavor. For best results, grate ginger on a microplane; if you don’t have one, finely mincing is okay. Do not substitute with dried ginger – it has a very different flavor.
• Tahini: This sesame butter acts as an emulsifier here – i.e. it prevents the oil and vinegar from separating. It also makes the dressing a bit creamy. Here it can be subbed with peanut, cashew, or almond butter.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Makes the dressing salty and savory.
• Rice Vinegar: A mild and nutty Asian vinegar. Can be subbed with apple cider or white wine vinegar here. If you only have seasoned rice vinegar, halve the amount of maple syrup in this recipe to avoid a too-sweet dressing.
• Sesame Oil: Amplifies the nutty flavor and gives the dressing a richer mouthfeel.
• Maple Syrup: Balances all the tangy and salty flavors.

How to Make Sesame Ginger Dressing

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Pour all the ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 2: Shake Up the Dressing

Close the jar and shake vigorously until everything is incorporated. (Alternatively, whisk the ingredients together in a bowl.)

How to Store This Sauce

Sesame ginger vinaigrette should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container (like a mason jar or dressing bottle) and consumed within 7 to 10 days. Oil separation is normal; be sure to shake it before using.

How to Use This Vinaigrette

This ginger vinaigrette is savory, salty, and nutty. It has a bit of a kick from fresh ginger and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. Use it as a finishing touch for tons of healthy meals, like…

• Salads – especially ones with crunchy veg (like romaine, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers), or coleslaw 
• Soba noodles
• Grain bowls – with literally any combo of grains, veg, legumes, tofu, etc. 
• Sautéed vegetables – like broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, etc. 
• Roasted vegetables

More Vegan Sauces…

• Dairy-Free Tzatziki Sauce
• Creamy Cashew Cilantro Sauce
• Peanut Salad Dressing
• The Easiest Creamy Salad Dressing

Let me know if you try this recipe! Give it a rating below and leave a comment, and don’t forget to tag your creation with @thenewbaguette on Instagram.