Savory Ginger Citrus Asian Dressing
Elevate your salads with this vibrant and savory Ginger Citrus Asian Dressing, perfect for using up the fresh greens from your garden! A delightful fusion of olive oil, sesame oil, and tangy umeboshi vinegar creates a harmonious flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. The hint of sweetness from agave nectar, combined with the refreshing notes of freshly squeezed orange juice, makes this dressing an irresistible addition to any salad. It’s no wonder that this recipe has become a family favorite—your loved ones will be fighting over every last drop! Ideal for drizzling over mixed greens, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade, this dressing will keep your meals exciting and delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/4 cup (None)
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Umeboshi vinegar
1 tablespoon (None)
Agave nectar
1 tablespoon (None)
Fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon (Juiced from fresh oranges)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mason jar, add the olive oil, sesame oil, umeboshi vinegar, agave nectar, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
2
Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
3
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of salt or more agave if desired.
4
Serve the dressing generously over your favorite garden greens, tossing gently to coat.
5
Store any leftover dressing in the mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Shake well before each use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ginger Citrus Asian Dressing?
It is a vibrant, homemade salad dressing that combines the flavors of sesame, citrus, and umeboshi vinegar to create a savory addition to garden salads and grilled vegetables.
Is this Asian dressing recipe vegan?
Yes, this dressing is entirely vegan as it uses agave nectar as a sweetener and contains no animal products.
Is the Ginger Citrus Asian Dressing gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this dressing is gluten-free.
What ingredients do I need for this dressing?
You will need olive oil, sesame oil, umeboshi vinegar, agave nectar, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Simply combine all ingredients in a medium-sized mason jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until emulsified.
What is umeboshi vinegar?
Umeboshi vinegar, or plum vinegar, is a salty, tangy liquid byproduct of making pickled umeboshi plums, common in Japanese cuisine.
Can I substitute agave nectar?
Yes, you can substitute agave nectar with maple syrup or honey, though using honey will mean the dressing is no longer strictly vegan.
How long does this dressing stay fresh?
You can store this dressing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Does the recipe actually contain ginger?
While the title includes 'Ginger', the base ingredients listed focus on citrus and sesame. You can easily add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for extra zing.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover dressing in a tightly sealed mason jar in the refrigerator.
Do I need to shake the dressing before each use?
Yes, since oil and vinegar naturally separate over time, you should shake the jar well before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Absolutely! This dressing works wonderfully as a marinade for grilled vegetables, tofu, or poultry.
What is the best type of orange juice to use?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but high-quality bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Can I use a different oil besides olive oil?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
Is this dressing spicy?
No, this dressing is savory and tangy. If you want heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha.
What kind of salad does this pair best with?
It pairs beautifully with fresh garden greens, mixed spring blends, or even a crunchy cabbage slaw.
Can I freeze this dressing?
Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture of the oils and the fresh citrus juice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: olive oil, sesame oil, umeboshi vinegar, agave nectar, and orange juice.
What if I don't have umeboshi vinegar?
You can substitute it with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Is this dressing considered healthy?
Yes, it uses heart-healthy oils and natural sweeteners, making it a great alternative to processed store-bought dressings.
What kind of sesame oil should I use?
Toasted sesame oil provides a deeper, nuttier flavor that is traditional for Asian-style dressings.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the dressing after shaking and add a pinch of salt or a bit more agave nectar to balance the acidity to your liking.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding a finely minced clove of garlic or a dash of garlic powder can enhance the savory profile.
Why use a mason jar?
A mason jar is perfect for both mixing through shaking and convenient storage in the fridge.
Can I use lime juice instead of orange juice?
Yes, lime juice will provide a sharper citrus tang, whereas orange juice is milder and sweeter.
How do I make the dressing creamier?
You can add a teaspoon of tahini or a little bit of Greek yogurt (if not vegan) to create a creamier texture.
Is this dressing kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweetness from the agave and orange juice makes it very palatable for children.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the measurements as long as you use a large enough jar for shaking.
Does this dressing contain soy?
As written, it does not contain soy products like soy sauce, making it suitable for those with soy sensitivities.
Can I use this on a cold noodle salad?
Yes, this dressing is excellent for cold soba or rice noodle salads topped with fresh vegetables.