Carrot-ginger dressing is a staple of Japanese-style restaurants, instantly recognizable by its vibrant orange color and bright, savory-sweet flavor. Funny enough, this actually isn’t really served in Japan. But regardless, it’s definitely delish!
Often served over a simple bed of iceberg lettuce, this dressing balances the natural sweetness of carrots with the sharp warmth of fresh ginger, rounded out by onion, rice vinegar, and a neutral oil. Its texture is slightly creamy yet light, coating vegetables evenly rather than weighing them down.
What makes carrot-ginger dressing so appealing is its versatility and freshness. Beyond salads, it works beautifully as a drizzle for grilled chicken, a dipping sauce for tempura, or even a quick marinade for roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Carrots: Provide natural sweetness, vibrant color, and the body that gives the dressing its signature texture
- Onion: Adds subtle sharpness and dept
- Fresh Ginger: Brings warmth, brightness, and a clean, peppery bite – do NOT use ground ginger!!!
- Honey: Balances acidity with gentle sweetness
- White Miso: Contributes savory umami and complexity
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances flavors
- Sesame Oil: Lends a light nutty finish
- Rice Vinegar: Gives clean, balanced acidity
- Olive Oil: Creates a smooth, creamy emulsion and rich mouthfeel
Enjoy this recipe?
Try my Japanese Sesame Seed (Goma) Dressing!
Carrot-Ginger Dressing (Japanese Restaurant-Style)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
This carrot-ginger dressing is bright and savory-sweet, with fresh carrot and ginger bite and gentle umami from white miso, balanced by tangy rice vinegar.
Ingredients
- 7 oz carrots (~3 carrots), peeled and chopped into large pieces
- 2 oz onion (~1/4 onion), chopped into large pieces
- 0.8 oz fresh ginger (do not use ground ginger!)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp white miso
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
- To a food processor or blender, add all the ingredients: carrots, onion, ginger, honey, miso, salt, black pepper, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and olive oil.
- Blend for 1-2 minutes. The consistency is smooth and pourable with very fine bits of carrot throughout. Feel free to continue blending for longer if you want it to be more creamy!
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey if needed. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- This dressing thickens slightly when chilled – shake or stir before using.
- Keeps well in the refrigerator for 5 – 7 days.
- Perfect for shredded cabbage, mixed greens, grilled chicken salads, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
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