Brighten up your greens with this creamy and nutty Japanese sesame salad dressing. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a luscious, flavorful dressing that transforms any simple salad into something spectacular.
Why You’ll Love It
- Speedy & Simple – Ready in around 10 minutes.
- Rich, Nutty Flavor – Toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil give it a beautiful aroma.
- Versatile – Perfect over green salads, cucumber and tomato mixes, and even hard‑boiled egg salads.
- Customizable – Use Western mayonnaise or Japanese (Kewpie), adjust vinegar, swap sesame seeds for tahini, etc.
Ingredients (for about 3 servings)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (Western or Japanese-style)
- 1–2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- If starting with raw sesame seeds, dry-toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant; let them cool slightly.
- Crush or grind the toasted seeds using a pestle and mortar, leaving a few whole for texture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sesame seeds, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir well.
- Drizzle in the sesame oil, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust to preference. If the dressing is too thick, add ½ teaspoon water at a time to thin.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use. It keeps for a couple of days in the fridge.
How to Serve
Use this dressing over a simple green salad. A favorite combination is lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and hard‑boiled eggs. Feel free to omit eggs—it’s still delicious!
Variations & Tips
- Prefer a Japanese-style mayo like Kewpie? Go for it—just possibly add more rice vinegar for balance.
- Tahini in place of sesame seeds gives you a smoother, more uniform texture. Add slowly and taste along the way.
- Want it thinner? Gradually whisk in a little water or extra vinegar until you reach the desired consistency.
- Toasting your own seeds yields much more flavor than pre-roasted ones.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 191
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
- Sodium: 343 mg
- Potassium: 25 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Calcium: 52 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Conclusion
If you’re craving a rich, nutty, and delightfully creamy dressing that elevates a basic salad into something extraordinary, this Sesame Salad Dressing is a must-try. A quick mix of simple ingredients, bold flavors, and that unmistakable toasted sesame aroma make it a favorite. Use it right away—or store it in the fridge for a quick flavor boost throughout the week.