Wasabi and Ginger Dressing is the perfect way to elevate your salad with a delightful twist. If you’re seeking something different, this dressing combines zesty wasabi and fragrant ginger for an exciting Asian flair.

Wasabi and ginger dressing recipe

Wasabi and ginger dressing is a flavorful condiment often used in Asian cuisine, particularly for salads and sushi. It combines the pungent heat of wasabi with the aromatic zest of ginger, creating a unique and zesty flavor profile. Here’s how to make the wasabi and ginger dressing.

Wasabi and ginger dressing

Combines the bold flavors of wasabi and fresh ginger with a creamy texture, creating a delightful dressing that adds an exciting Asian flair to any salad. Perfect for drizzling over greens, tossing with vegetables, or marinating grilled chicken.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Course Condiment

Cuisine Asian, Japanese

Servings 4

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon wasabi paste adjust to taste
2 tablespoons fresh ginger finely grated
1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for sweetness
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the wasabi paste, grated ginger, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
Taste the dressing and add honey or maple syrup if you prefer a touch of sweetness. Adjust the amount of wasabi based on your heat preference.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to combine.
Drizzle over your favorite salad or use as a marinade for grilled chicken or seafood.
If you have leftovers, store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using.

Keyword healthy salad dressing, homemade condiment, homemade salad dressing, Wasabi and ginger dressing

You can adjust flavors for this wasabi ginger dressing:

Increase wasabi for more heat
Add honey or mirin for sweetness
Incorporate more soy sauce for umami
Thin out with water or rice vinegar for a lighter consistency

This wasabi dressing can be modified to suit your diet:

Vegan version: Substitute mayonnaise with silken tofu or cashew cream
Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
Gluten-free: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially soy sauce

How to use

1. As a Dipping Sauce: Wasabi and ginger dressing excels as a dipping sauce for various dishes:

For Appetizers and Small Plates: Wasabi and ginger dressing pairs wonderfully with:
- Tempura vegetables
- Grilled skewers yakitori
- Spring rolls
- Dumplings gyoza
For Sushi and Sashimi: The dressing complements the delicate flavors of raw fish perfectly. I’ve found that a small dish of this dressing elevates the sushi experience, offering a zesty alternative to traditional soy sauce and wasabi.

2. As a Salad Dressing

This versatile dressing transforms ordinary salads into extraordinary culinary experiences. It works particularly well with:

Asian-inspired slaws
Seafood salads
Green salads with robust vegetables like kale or spinach
Grain-based salads with quinoa or rice

3. As a Marinade for Seafood and Meats

Wasabi and ginger dressing imparts complex flavors to proteins when used as a marinade. I’ve had great success marinating:

Salmon fillets
Chicken breasts
Tofu steaks
Beef strips for stir-fry
Grilled shrimp skewers
Pan-seared scallops
Tuna poke bowls
Crab cakes

4. In Fusion Cuisine

The dressing lends itself beautifully to fusion cuisine, bridging the gap between traditional Asian flavors and contemporary Western dishes. Some innovative uses include: