Asian Salad Dressing

Packed with tangy, savory flavor, and sesame seeds for texture, this homemade Asian salad dressing is the perfect addition to your favorite bowl of greens. It’s made without preservatives and artificial flavors for a dressing you can feel great about using!

By now, I’m sure you know that homemade salad dressings are my favorite. Because not only do they have a better flavor, but you can customize the flavor however you want. If you love this Asian salad dressing, you’ll also have to try homemade Italian dressing, lemon vinaigrette, or green goddess dressing!

Homemade Asian Salad Dressing Recipe

If you’re tired of dull, boring salads, it’s time to try this amazing Asian salad dressing. Once you taste the tangy rice vinegar, fresh ginger kick, and hint of hoisin sauce, you won’t go back to store-bought dressings. It’s a burst of flavors that will take your salads from ordinary to extraordinary!

Making Asian salad dressing is a breeze! Just whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and the other ingredients. No need to rely on bottled dressings with mystery ingredients and artificial flavors! With this homemade version, you can use fresh ingredients and customize it to your liking. Add more ginger, reduce the garlic, or in sprinkle extra sesame seeds. Enjoy the freedom to make it just the way you want and add a delightful Asian touch to your favorite salads!

What is Asian Salad Dressing Made Of?

You may need to make a stop at your local Asian market for a few of these ingredients. They can also be easily found online! Trust me, you’re going to want to make sure you have each of them for the best possible flavor. Note: exact measurements for this Asian vinaigrette can be found below in the recipe card.

Rice Vinegar: This tangy ingredient gives the Asian salad dressing its refreshing kick.
Chinkiang Vinegar: With its rich and slightly smoky flavor, this special vinegar adds the best flavor to the dressing.
Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin gives the dressing a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor.
Sesame Oil: Gives the dressing a deliciously nutty flavor.
Soy Sauce: A must-add ingredient! Soy sauce is the savory foundation of the dressing.
Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger gives the dressing a subtle kick, adding a touch of freshness.
Fresh Garlic: Because you can never have too much garlic. It gives the dressing a delicious pop of strong savory flavor.
Brown Sugar: For a hint of sweetness to balance out the flavors. You could also use honey or even a little maple syrup.
White and Black Sesame Seeds: For extra nutty flavor and a delightful crunch in your Asian salad dressing. Texture is so important in making a good salad!

Let’s Make Homemade Dressing!

This recipe for Asian salad dressing is foolproof, and anyone can make it. Simply mix all of your ingredients together, then transfer to an airtight jar and pop it in the fridge! You will love having this dressing on hand, it’s so delicious.

Mix: In a medium bowl, combine all your ingredients and then whisk to combine well.
Add to Airtight Container: Pour your dressing into a container with a lid and then keep refrigerated for up to 4 weeks.
Shake or Stir Before Use: Shake the Asian salad dressing before each use to ensure any ingredients that have settled or separated get mixed together again.

Dressing ingredients being whisked together.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few more things to keep in mind so your Asian salad dressing has the best flavor ever! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do, it’s so good! It adds a great burst of flavor whether you use it on a bowl of leafy greens, roasted veggies, or as a dip for egg rolls!

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. Similarly, if you prefer a less sweet dressing, you can reduce or omit the brown sugar altogether.
Add Some Spice: If you like it spicy, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of Sriracha sauce into the dressing. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your desired level of heat.
Let the Flavors Infuse: I recommend allowing the dressing to set up for a few hours or even overnight before using, this will allow the flavors to meld while it all marinates together. However it is also great to use right away!
Sesame Seeds: Black sesame seeds are optional. I like to add them in to give the dressing a little more style and depth when it’s on the salad.
Other Uses: This dressing also makes a great dipping sauce for gyoza, wontons, spring rolls, or any other items you want to try dipping in it!

Top-down view of a bottle of Asian salad dressing.

How Long Does Homemade Asian Salad Dressing Last?

Good news! As long as you keep it in an airtight container or jar, your homemade dressing will stay good for about a month. I love that it has a long shelf life even without all those preservatives!

In the Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 1 month.

*Note: the ingredients in this dressing may settle as it sits, so give it a quick stir before you use it!

Dressing being poured over a bowl of vegetables.