I have loved Asian food for a long time. From fast food Chinese 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 (that taste even better!). This honey sesame dressing is one of my newest recipe creations.
It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free and packed with sesame flavor. We use it on a variety of foods from Thai to Japanese.
Sesame salad dressing ingredients
There are many variations on sesame dressing, but this one sticks to clean, real food ingredients. Instead of canola or vegetable oil, I use extra virgin olive oil for healthy fats. The honey combines beautifully with the roasted sesame oil and spicy rice vinegar. You could probably use maple syrup instead, but I think the honey adds a nice touch.
I used red wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar in this sesame dressing. The rice vinegar is milder, but the red wine version adds a spicier punch. Many of my homemade dressing recipes call for apple cider vinegar, but it can overpower the toasted white sesame seeds.
And for saltiness and an umami flavor, I rely on soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also use tamari sauce. Traditional versions from Japan use only fermented soybeans, water and salt. For a little more creaminess you can add some peanut butter for a Thai version or tahini.
What to serve with Asian Sesame Dressing
I really like this dressing on green salads or grilled vegetables and meat. You could also use it as a meat marinade. Here are a few more ways to use it:
Honey sesame dressing recipe
This sweet and spicy sesame dressing recipe tastes great with salads, vegetables and even grilled meats. Whip something up in minutes!
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Toast the sesame seeds in a dry frying pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Stir regularly to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
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Mix all other ingredients in a blender or small jar until incorporated. Add toasted sesame seeds and mix by hand (do not mix).
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Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness if necessary by adding more honey or soy sauce.
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Transfer the bandage to a glass jar or airtight container. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Shake well before serving. Sprinkle over salads, grilled vegetables or Asian dishes.
Nutrition facts
Honey sesame dressing recipe
Amount per serving (2 tablespoons)
Calories 190
Calories from fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated fat 0.6 g4%
Polyunsaturated fat 3g
Monounsaturated fat 8g
Sodium 253 mg11%
Potassium 45mg1%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Fiber 0.6 g3%
Sugar 17g19%
Egg white 1g2%
Vitamin A 0.4 IU0%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 48mg5%
Iron 1 mg6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
6. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
More salad dressing recipes
Here are some more homemade dressing recipes to try. I always try to keep a few in the fridge for quick salads at lunch.
Have you ever had an Asian sesame dressing? What’s your favorite way to use it? Leave a comment and let us know!