Miso ginger dressing is your must-try salad dressing. It transforms everyday meals with just a drizzle. It pairs perfectly with greens, proteins, and grains. Once you try this condiment, you’ll want it on everything.
Contents
Miso ginger dressing recipe
Miso ginger dressing comprises umami-rich miso paste and the zesty freshness of ginger. It balances multiple flavor profiles: salty from miso and soy sauce, tangy from rice vinegar or citrus juice, sweet from honey or sugar, and nutty from toasted sesame oil.

This harmonious blend elevates ordinary salads to extraordinary culinary experiences. The dressing is inspired by Japanese flavors and gained popularity due to its complex flavor profile and health benefits.
Versatile and packed with flavor, it’s an excellent way to elevate salads, marinades, or grain bowls. It makes an excellent dipping sauce for crunchy veggie sticks, sushi rolls, or fresh summer rolls. You can also drizzle it over citrusy salads or transform a simple slaw into a gingery delight.
This dressing works wonders as a marinade too. Marinate proteins like salmon (for 30 minutes), chicken (2-4 hours), or tofu (1 hour) before grilling, baking, or stir-frying. It also makes a great addition to stir-fries, noodle tosses, and roasted vegetables.
Here is how to make the Miso ginger salad dressing:

Miso Ginger Dressing
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 1 tbsp honey optional for sweetness
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tbsp water adjust for desired consistency
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, grated ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and soy sauce until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the sesame oil and vegetable oil until the mixture emulsifies.
- Add water to adjust the consistency, then taste and add honey if you’d like a sweeter dressing.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
Non-Vegan Ingredient | Vegan Alternative | Ratio |
Honey | Maple syrup | 1:1 |
Honey | Agave nectar | 3:4 |
- Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos
- Ensure the miso paste is certified gluten-free some varieties contain barley
- Reduce oil content by half and replace with water or dashi stock
- Use low-sodium miso paste and soy sauce
- Substitute honey with a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract.
Variations
Here are some popular variations and tips for adapting this miso ginger dressing:
- Spicy Versions add sriracha, gochujang, or chili flakes for heat. This version pairs well with noodles or grilled meats.
- Citrus-Inspired Versions replace rice vinegar with fresh citrus juices like lime, lemon, or orange for a tangy twist.
- Creamy Alternatives add tahini for a nutty, creamy texture, or mix in plain yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Vegetable Additions blend in grated carrots for a thicker texture and added sweetness.
- Regional and Fusion Variations:
- Mediterranean blend: Mix in finely chopped herbs like parsley and dill
- Thai-inspired: Add lemongrass and lime juice for a Southeast Asian twist
- Korean fusion: Incorporate gochujang for a spicy-sweet variation