I have loved Asian food for a long time. From Chinese fast food as a teenager to eating out at Japanese restaurants as an adult. Over the years, I've learned how to make healthier versions of my favorite restaurant dishes at home. (It tastes so much better!) This honey sesame dressing is one of my newest recipes.
Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with sesame flavor. It is used in a variety of foods, from Thai to Japanese.
Sesame salad dressing ingredients
There are many sesame dressing variations, but this one sticks to clean, real food ingredients. Use extra virgin olive oil for healthy fats instead of canola or vegetable oil. Honey goes well with toasted sesame oil and tangy rice vinegar. You could use maple syrup instead, but I think the honey adds a nice touch.
For this sesame dressing, I used red wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar. Rice vinegar is milder, but the red wine version adds a tangier flavor. My dressing recipes often include apple cider vinegar, but it can have a stronger flavor than toasted white sesame seeds.
And for salty and umami, I rely on soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also use tamari sauce. The traditional Japanese version uses only fermented soybeans, water, and salt. For a creamier flavor, try adding peanut butter for the Thai version or tahini.
Served with Asian Sesame Dressing
I love this dressing on green salads or grilled vegetables and meat. It can also be used as a meat marinade. Here are some ways to use it:
Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe
This sweet and tangy sesame dressing recipe goes well with salads, vegetables, and even grilled meats. Whip it up in minutes!
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Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant (2 to 3 minutes). Stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
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Add all other ingredients to a blender or pint-sized jar and mix until combined. Add the toasted sesame seeds and mix with your hands (do not mix).
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Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce if necessary.
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Transfer dressing to a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
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Shake well before serving. Drizzle it over salads, roasted vegetables, or Asian dishes.
nutrition facts
Honey Sesame Dressing Recipe
Serving size (2 tablespoons)
calorie 190
calories from fat 117
% Daily Value*
province 13g20%
Saturated fat 0.6g4%
3g polyunsaturated fat
8g monounsaturated fat
salt 253mg11%
potassium 45mgOne%
carbohydrate 19g6%
0.6 g fiberthree%
17g sugar19%
protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 0.4IU0%
Vitamin C 0.1 mg0%
calcium 48mg5%
steel 1mg6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
6. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
More Salad Dressing Recipes
Here are some more homemade dressing recipes to try. I always try to keep a few in the fridge to make a quick salad at lunchtime.
Have you ever tried Asian sesame dressing before? What is your favorite way to use it? Let us know by leaving a comment!
