This is the healthy version of your Japanese steakhouse favorite! Made with just five simple ingredients, you’re going to love this ginger salad dressing!
Sushi Saturday was a weekly occurrence growing up, a tradition started by my dad when I was around 7 or 8 years old. All five of us would head to our local Japanese restaurant, and like clockwork, we would all order their famous green salads with ginger dressing. While the restaurant version is delicious, it is typically loaded with a lot of extra sugar, mayo, and other added ingredients that can turn a healthy salad into a major calorie burden. My version is not only lighter and fresher, but can be made easily and simply from the comfort of home!
Ingredient
- Rice vinegar: Low in calories, it has a wonderfully light, slightly sweet taste, opposed to traditional white vinegar.
- Soy sauce: Strong umami and salty flavor, it balances out the sweet from the sugar and rice vinegar.
- Ginger root: Freshly grated ginger root has a kick of spicy flavor, often with a tail note of sweetness. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ginger paste works as well.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the vinegar and ginger root, while balancing out some of the acidity.
- Sesame oil: I like to use toasted sesame oil as it adds an extra punch to the delicious, nutty flavor.
How to Make Ginger Salad Dressing
Start your ginger salad dressing by taking a medium sized bowl and add the rice vinegar.
Then you’ll add the soy sauce.
Next add the freshly grated ginger or ginger paste.
Followed by brown sugar.
Finish by seasoning with a bit of salt and pepper.
Whisk it together until fully combined and the sugar is dissolved.
Drizzle over your favorite veggie topped green salad, and enjoy your ginger salad dressing!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is ginger dressing good for your stomach?
Due to the antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, ginger dressing is very gentle on the stomach and good for your digestion!
Is ginger dressing high in carbs?
No, ginger dressings and sauces tend to be low in carbs.
How long is homemade ginger dressing good for?
Kept in the fridge in an airtight container, it should last for up to 5 days.
More Salad Dressings
- Healthy Blue Cheese Dressing
- Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
- Healthy Ranch Dressing
- Lemon Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette
- Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
Did you try this recipe and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your salad.
With how quickly this ginger salad dressing comes together, you’ll feel like you’re out at a Japanese restaurant in no time at all.
Your fork is waiting.
Ginger Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Nakano Natural Rice Vinegar (all natural)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger root
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle over salad greens or use as a vegetable dip.
I was looking for a light ginger dressing and this is PERFECT!! I didn’t have rice vinegar so used white wine vinegar. I literally drank the remaining dressing out of the bowl. ❤️
I’ve had digestive issues and this has digested just fine. I put it on a small head of Romaine with baked chicken strips chopped up. Added some salt to top of salad and away I went. So much flavor even without the salt.
That sounds delicious! So glad this dressing worked for you!
We loved it!! Super easy and so good. I also threw some toasted sesame seeds in the mix.
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Great recipe! So glad I found this at the last minute tonight. I did also throw in a little TJ’s Yuzu Sauce, which put it pretty much over the top :)
Ooo that sounds amazing!!
Great Recipe, however what are the ingredients for the salad itself? That looks amazing as well!
It’s a salad dressing recipe – just drizzle over any salad greens/veggies you wish!! :)
19 calories for what measurement?
Apologies – 2 tablespoons. Just updated the recipe! Enjoy!
I use to buy ginger salad dressing years ago. But it’s no longer on the market. I ran across your recepie. And it is absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. I will be making this often. Thank you so much for this recipie!
I’m so happy you like it!!
I’m literally giddy at the thought of being able to make this dressing at home. It’s my favorite of ALL dressings out there. :D
It is seriously the best!!
Sushi Saturday?? This is a tradition I need in my life—and I need this recipe in my belly!
Right?? We have started doing it with our kids – it’s getting expensive though haha.
Oh my gosh! This is my FAVORITE salad dressing ever, and I had no idea how to make it! We use Nakano Rice Vinegar ALL the time in this house, so this is perfect!!
It’s the best!! I hope you love it!
This sounds absolutely fabulous. Definitely want to try it.
Thank you so much Susan! Enjoy!
I love using rice vinegar in so many dishes, but especially salad dressings. This looks awesome!
You and me both!!