If you’ve ever enjoyed a salad at a Japanese restaurant and wondered about that vibrant, tangy dressing, you’re in for a treat. This zesty Japanese ginger carrot dressing brings a burst of flavor to any dish, with its perfect blend of fresh carrots, ginger, and a hint of citrus. It’s not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to whip up at home. Perfect for drizzling over salads or as a dip, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite sushi spot.
Steps
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: ? cup extra-virgin olive oil, ? cup rice vinegar, 2 large peeled and roughly chopped carrots, 2 tablespoons peeled and roughly chopped fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey, 1 ½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Place all the ingredients into a blender in the order listed. Blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth, ensuring that there are no lumps remaining.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you find it too sour, add a little more honey and blend again.
- Serve the dressing over your choice of fresh greens and additional salad components like red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red cabbage.
- Store any leftover dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for 1 to 2 weeks.
Ingredients
- ? cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ? cup rice vinegar
- 2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped (approximately ? cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
FAQ
- How do I make the carrot ginger dressing vegan?
- To make this dressing vegan, you can substitute the honey with either maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Can I use a regular blender to make the carrot ginger dressing?
- Yes, while a high-power blender like a Vitamix works great, a regular blender should also be able to handle the carrots and ginger.
- How long does the carrot ginger dressing last in the refrigerator?
- The dressing can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
- What are some good salad ingredients to pair with this dressing?
- This dressing pairs well with fresh greens, red onions, cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and red cabbage.
- What can I serve the carrot ginger dressing with besides salad?
- It’s also delicious drizzled over cooked rice, tofu, steamed vegetables, or as an accompaniment to dishes with Asian or Indian flavors.
Tips
- When blending the dressing, ensure all ingredients are fully smooth for the best texture. If it’s too tangy, gradually incorporate more honey to balance the flavors.
- To make the dressing vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, maintaining the same sweetness and texture.
- This dressing pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, especially those with Asian or Indian flavors. Consider omitting sesame oil if pairing with Indian cuisine for a more harmonious blend.
- Prepare a larger batch if desired, as the dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, offering flexibility for future meals.
Equipment
- Blender – The recipe specifically mentions using a Vitamix, but any high-powered blender should work to blend the carrots and ginger smoothly.
