Name: Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup carrots (peeled and chopped); 2 stalks celery (chopped); 1/4 yellow onion (chopped); 2 tbsp ginger (peeled and chopped); 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp avocado oil; 1/4 cup coconut aminos; 3 tbsp rice vinegar (substitute apple cider vinegar for AIP); 2 tsp coconut sugar (omit for Whole30); 3/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

If you love vibrant, zesty flavors that brighten up any meal, this Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Bursting with fresh ginger, crisp vegetables, and a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, this homemade dressing transforms simple salads into something truly extraordinary. Its creamy texture and lively taste make it an irresistible addition not only to greens but also as a dip or marinade, offering a deliciously authentic Japanese-inspired flavor that’s easy to whip up in just minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a clear blender, there are several layers of fresh ingredients. At the bottom left, there are round orange carrot slices, smooth and bright. Next to them on the right, chopped white onions with a slightly translucent texture are visible. On top of the onions and potatoes are small pieces of light yellow ginger, rough and uneven. Above these, pale green celery slices with a crunchy look cover much of the space. Sprinkled over the celery, there is some dark ground black pepper and coarse white salt. The blender sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe. Each element plays a starring role, contributing not just flavor but also that wonderful texture and vibrant color that make this dressing shine.

Carrots, 1 1/2 cup peeled and chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue while keeping the dressing fresh and hearty.
Celery, 2 stalks chopped: Brings a subtle crunch and mild peppery notes, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Yellow onion, 1/4 chopped: Offers a gentle sharpness that rounds out the overall flavor.
Fresh ginger, 2 tbsp peeled and chopped: The star ingredient that gives the dressing its signature zing and authentic taste.
Avocado oil, 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp: Provides a smooth, creamy base with heart-healthy fats and a mild, buttery flavor.
Coconut aminos, 1/4 cup: A savory, slightly sweet alternative to soy sauce, essential for depth and umami.
Rice vinegar, 3 tbsp: Packs a tangy punch that brightens up the dressing, balancing the sweetness.
Coconut sugar, 2 tsp: Adds just the right amount of subtle sweetness, which you can omit for whole30.
Sea salt, 3/4 tsp: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
Black pepper, 1/4 tsp: Just a touch of warmth and spice, which you can skip if following AIP guidelines.

How to Make Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Start by peeling and chopping your fresh carrots and ginger, and chopping celery and onion into manageable pieces. Freshness is key here, so don’t skip this step! The bright colors and natural flavors of these vegetables will really shine through in the dressing.

Step 2: Blend Everything Together

Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender. Blend thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth, thick, and fully combined. The avocado oil helps create a rich, creamy texture that perfectly carries the bold flavors of ginger and coconut aminos.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Give your dressing a taste and add a pinch more sea salt, pepper, or coconut sugar if needed. Don’t be shy here—fine-tuning brings out the best balance of sweet, tangy, and earthy notes in this Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe.

How to Serve Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe

A clear glass pitcher filled with a thick, smooth mustard yellow sauce sits on a small white wooden board with a worn look. Around the pitcher, there are several pieces of whole and sliced ginger with light brown skin and bright yellow flesh placed on a white marbled surface. In the lower right corner, a mustard yellow cloth with white fringes softly rests near the pitcher’s base. The texture of the sauce looks creamy and uniform, filling about three-quarters of the pitcher’s height. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped scallions on top of your salad creates a beautiful finish and adds a satisfying crunch and a mild oniony bite that pairs wonderfully with the dressing’s warmth.

Side Dishes

This dressing is fantastic alongside crisp cabbage slaw, as a drizzle over steamed vegetables, or even with grilled chicken or fish. It’s incredibly versatile and complements dishes with clean, fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe as a dip for fresh veggie sticks or drizzling it over cold soba noodle bowls to give a flavorful Asian twist. Pour it over avocado toast or mix it into grain bowls for an extra punch of zest and creaminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delightful after a day or two.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dressing because the fresh vegetables and oil can separate or change texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

No reheating is needed here! This dressing is perfect served cold or at room temperature. Just give it a quick stir before serving if any separation occurs.

FAQs

Can I substitute any ingredients in this Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe?

Absolutely! For example, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a different tang, or swap avocado oil with a neutral oil like grapeseed. Keep in mind that coconut aminos are important for that distinct umami flavor, but tamari or soy sauce can also work if you’re not avoiding gluten.

Is this dressing suitable for special diets?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily modified for paleo, whole30, or AIP diets by omitting or substituting a few ingredients like coconut sugar or black pepper. It’s a wonderfully adaptable recipe.

How long does this dressing last once made?

Stored in a sealed container in the fridge, you can expect it to last about 7 days. Always check for freshness before use, but its bold flavors should stay vibrant during this time.

Can I make this dressing thicker or thinner?

Certainly! For a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of avocado oil or add less liquid. To thin it out, simply blend in a little water or more vinegar to reach your desired consistency.

What dishes pair best with Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe?

It’s superb on green salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, and grilled proteins. It also works beautifully as a dipping sauce or drizzled over rice paper rolls for a fresh, zesty kick.

Final Thoughts

This Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe is an absolute delight to keep in your culinary arsenal. It offers a bright, fresh burst of flavor that turns everyday meals into something special. Give it a try, and watch your salads and dishes come alive with the vibrant, warming touch of fresh ginger and perfectly balanced ingredients. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how endlessly versatile it can be!

Maya

Japanese Ginger Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need