I’ve had a love of Asian food for a long time. From fast food Chinese as a teen to dining 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 lots of sesame dressing variations out there 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 nicely with the toasted sesame oil and tangy rice vinegar. You could probably use maple syrup instead, but I think the honey adds a nice touch.
I used either red wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar in this sesame dressing. The rice vinegar is milder, but the red wine version adds a tangier 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 could also use tamari sauce. Traditional versions from Japan use only fermented soybeans, water, and salt. For a little more creaminess, try adding 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 meats. 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 tangy sesame dressing recipe tastes great on salads, veggies, and even grilled meats. Whip some up in minutes!
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Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant (2-3 mins). Stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
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In a blender or pint-size jar, blend all other ingredients until incorporated. Add toasted sesame seeds and mix by hand (do not blend).
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Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness if needed by adding more honey or soy sauce.
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Transfer dressing to a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
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Shake well before serving. Drizzle over salads, grilled veggies, 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 0.6g4%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Sodium 253mg11%
Potassium 45mg1%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Fiber 0.6g3%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 0.4IU0%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 48mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
6. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week.
More Salad Dressing Recipes
Here are some more homemade dressing recipes to try. I always try to keep a few on hand in the fridge for quick salads at lunchtime.
Have you ever had an Asian sesame dressing before? What’s your favorite way to use it? Leave a comment and let us know!
