Dinner

Asian Sesame Dressing Recipe

Name: Asian Sesame Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1/4 cup white vinegar (adjust to taste for sharpness); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tbsp sugar (any type) or 1 1/2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sugar (any type) or 1 1/2 tsp honey

Byluca Carter January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Asian Sesame Dressing is a quick and flavorful blend perfect for salads, slaws, and steamed vegetables. Ready in just five minutes, it brings a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and sweet notes that brighten any dish.

A white bowl with four layers of thin shredded vegetables arranged in rows: pale green cabbage at the front and back edges, bright orange carrots in the middle right, and deep purple cabbage in the middle left. A woman's hand is pouring a light brown, smooth dressing from a small glass jar onto the center of the vegetables. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1/4 cup white vinegar (adjust to taste for sharpness)
1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp sugar (any type) or 1 1/2 tbsp honey

Instructions

Step 1: Place all the dressing ingredients—soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, white vinegar, olive oil, and sugar or honey—into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 2: Shake the jar vigorously until the sugar dissolves completely and the dressing is emulsified with a smooth texture.
Step 3: Taste the dressing and adjust the saltiness by adding salt if needed, or add more sugar or honey to increase sweetness according to your preference.

Tips & Variations

Use honey instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness and a slight floral note.

Add a small minced garlic clove or a teaspoon of grated ginger for extra depth of flavor.
For a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of chili oil.
To make it gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce is tamari or a gluten-free variety.

Storage

Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks to keep it fresh. Before each use, bring it to room temperature and shake well to remix any ingredients that have separated.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains three neat layers of shredded vegetables arranged side by side: light green cabbage on both edges, bright orange shredded carrots in the middle, and purple cabbage between the orange and one side of the green cabbage. A woman's hand is pouring a smooth, light brown dressing from a small clear glass jar onto the center of the vegetables. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, providing a clean and simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other oils besides olive oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with neutral oils like avocado or grapeseed oil for a milder flavor, though olive oil adds a nice richness.

How much dressing should I use per salad?

Use about 1 tablespoon of dressing per 1 packed cup of shredded vegetables, or 2 teaspoons per handful of leafy greens. This ratio helps evenly coat without overwhelming the salad.