We don’t go out to eat often, but when we do, I love Japanese food. It’s relatively easy to find gluten-free dishes, and the salads and stir fry are wonderful There’s even a local restaurant that cooks in coconut oil!

One of my favorite things at our local Japanese restaurant is their ginger salad dressing (which probably has questionable ingredients, but I’ve avoided asking). Either way, my bank account and my health would both have problems if I headed to the restaurant every time I had a craving for their food. So I’ve been experimenting with an at-home version with nourishing ingredients and I’m really happy with the final result.

Japanese Restaurant-Style Asian Ginger Vinaigrette

I’m a big fan of making my own salad dressings. I like to know what goes into them and make them fresh when needed. Simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, or balsamic vinegar turn into yummy salad dressing recipes.

This Asian ginger vinaigrette is flavored with ginger, garlic, coconut aminos, onion, and a little tomato paste. I give it a whirl in a blender or food processor to make it smooth, and it’s done in under five minutes! The ginger root gets a rough chop before going in the blender, so no need to use grated ginger.

What To Serve With Ginger Vinaigrette

I keep a bottle of this pre-made ginger vinaigrette in the fridge for lunchtime green salads with veggies (or breakfast time… I’m a little obsessed). It goes great with my Asian color burst salad and P.F. Chang-style lettuce wraps. And it’s also great drizzled on stir fry, burgers, chicken, or even fish. Try it as a dipping sauce for these meatball shish kabobs or drizzle it on chicken pad Thai noodles.

Store your salad dressing in the refrigerator in a mason jar with a lid for ease.

Asian Ginger Vinaigrette

Ever had ginger dressing at a hibachi style Japanese restaurant and loved it? Recreate it at home with this simple recipe that uses easy real food ingredients!

• Combine all the ingredients in a blender or high-speed food processor and blend until smooth.

• For the best flavor, refrigerate for several hours or overnight to let flavors meld before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Asian Ginger Vinaigrette

Amount Per Serving (2 TBSP)

Calories 146
Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Polyunsaturated Fat 6g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Sodium 204mg9%

Potassium 42mg1%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Fiber 0.3g1%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 0.2g0%

Vitamin A 31IU1%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 5mg1%

Iron 0.1mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keeps up to 1 week in the fridge.

More Homemade Salad Dressings

If you’re like me and enjoy the fresh flavor that comes from making your own salad dressings here are a few new recipes to try. They’re super quick and easy (plus you know exactly what’s in them!) No unhealthy vegetable or canola oils!

Do you make your own salad dressings? Gonna try this one? Leave a comment and let us know!