16 Japanese Garden Salad Dressing Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing salad dressing that will elevate your Japanese-inspired dishes, you've come to the right place! Our Japanese garden salad dressing recipe is the perfect blend of traditional and modern flavors, making it a versatile addition to any salad. Not only is it easy to make, but it also uses simple and readily available ingredients. So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.
Main Ingredients: Italian Dressing, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black
One of the most beloved chain restaurants in America, Olive Garden is known for its delicious Italian dishes and unlimited breadsticks. But one of their most popular items is actually their salad dressing. Made with a blend of herbs, spices, and Parmesan cheese, this dressing is the perfect balance of tangy and savory. And the best part? You can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, you've probably had sunomono, a refreshing and light cucumber salad that's often served as an appetizer. This dish is made with thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. It's the perfect dish to balance out a heavy meal or to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Sesame is a staple ingredient in Japanese cooking, and it's no surprise that it makes an appearance in many salad dressings. This version combines the nutty flavor of sesame with the tanginess of rice vinegar and the sweetness of honey. It's a versatile dressing that pairs well with a variety of greens and vegetables.
Ginger is another essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavor. This dressing uses grated ginger to give it a kick, along with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. It's a great way to add some zing to your salad and can also be used as a marinade for meats or tofu.
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Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Main Ingredients: Oil, White Vinegar, Water, Italian Dressing Mix
If you're a fan of Olive Garden's famous dressing but want to avoid the trip to the restaurant, this copycat recipe is for you. Made with mayo, vinegar, and a blend of Italian herbs and spices, this dressing is a close match to the original. And the best part? You can adjust the ingredients to your liking to make it even better.
This dressing is a classic Japanese-style dressing that can be found in many restaurants and grocery stores. It's made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, along with some other secret ingredients. You can use this dressing on any type of salad, from simple greens to more complex combinations.
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Quick Japanese Cabbage Salad & Dressing
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Rice Vinegar, Canola Oil, Soy Sauce, Sesame
Cabbage is a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and this salad is a great way to showcase its versatility. Thinly sliced cabbage is combined with carrots, cucumber, and a tangy dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. It's a simple and refreshing side dish that pairs well with any meal.
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Homemade Japanese sesame salad dressing
Main Ingredients: Sesame, Mayonnaise, Rice Vinegar, Low Sodium Soy Sauce
If you're a fan of sesame, this dressing is a must-try. Made with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, this dressing is rich and flavorful. It's great on a simple green salad, but it can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats or tofu.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This is a classic sunomono recipe that can be found in many Japanese households. It's made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar for sweetness. It's a great way to use up extra cucumbers and is a refreshing side dish for any meal.
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Food Babe's Japanese Restaurant Ginger Salad Dressing
Main Ingredients: Carrots, White Onion, Ginger, White Miso Paste, Rice
This recipe is a popular one from the blog Food Babe, known for its healthy and natural approach to food. This dressing is a copycat version of the one served in many Japanese restaurants, made with fresh ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. It's a great way to add some flavor and nutrients to your salads.
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DIY Homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Main Ingredients: Avocado Oil, White Wine Vinegar, Water, Mayonnaise
If you love Olive Garden's salad dressing but want to make it with healthier ingredients, this recipe is for you. This version uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo and still maintains its tangy and savory flavor. It's a great option for those looking to cut back on calories and fat without sacrificing taste.
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Japanese Cabbage Salad
Main Ingredients: Shredded Coleslaw Mix, Granulated Sugar, Light Soy
This simple and refreshing salad is a classic dish in Japanese households. It's made with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. It's a great way to add some crunch and flavor to any meal.
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Gomae (Japanese Spinach Salad)
Main Ingredients: Spinach, Salt, Sake, Mirin, Roasted White Sesame Seeds
Gomae is a popular side dish in Japanese cuisine, made with blanched spinach and a sesame-based dressing. This dish is often served at izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) and is the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer. It's also a great way to get your greens in and add some variety to your salads.
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Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumber, Scallions, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy
If you have an abundance of cucumbers and want to try something different, this quick pickling recipe is for you. Sliced cucumbers are marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, resulting in a tangy and slightly sweet salad topping. It's a great way to add some crunch and flavor to your salads.
Peanuts are a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, and this dressing is a great example of how they can be used in a salad dressing. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this dressing is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. It's a great option for those looking for a nutty and savory dressing.
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Sunomono Salad (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumbers, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Soy
This is another version of the classic sunomono dish, made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar. But this recipe also includes carrots and daikon radish for added flavor and texture. It's a great way to use up extra vegetables and is a refreshing and light side dish.
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Cucumber Salad made Japanese Style
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Mirin, Sugar, Salt, Sesame Seeds
This recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy cucumbers as a side dish. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. It's a great way to add some flavor and variety to your salads.
This is a classic Japanese-style cucumber salad that can be found in many restaurants and grocery stores. It's made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar for sweetness. It's a great way to use up extra cucumbers and is a refreshing and light side dish for any meal.
Goma means sesame in Japanese, and this dressing is all about the sesame flavor. Made with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, this dressing is creamy, nutty, and full of flavor. It's a great way to add some variety and healthy fats to your salads.
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Olive Garden Salad
Main Ingredients: Salad, Red Onion, Pitted Black Olives, Pepperoncini
Last but not least, let's not forget about the star of the show, the Olive Garden salad. Made with a blend of greens, tomatoes, red onion, and croutons, this salad is the perfect balance of freshness and crunch. And of course, we can't forget about the famous dressing, which ties it all together. It's a classic and beloved dish that is a must-try for any Olive Garden fan.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
Mirin - This sweet rice wine adds a subtle sweetness to the dressing and is a staple in Japanese cuisine.
Rice vinegar - This mild and tangy vinegar balances out the sweetness of the Mirin.
Soy sauce - The umami-packed soy sauce brings depth and complexity to the dressing.
Honey - A touch of honey adds a natural sweetness and helps to emulsify the dressing.
Garlic - Fresh minced garlic adds a pungent kick and depth of flavor to the dressing.
Ginger - Grated ginger adds a subtle spiciness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dressing.
Sesame oil - This flavorful oil adds a nutty and savory element to the dressing.
Vegetable oil - A neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, helps to balance out the flavors and create a smooth texture.
For the Salad:
Mixed greens - A combination of different greens, such as spinach, arugula, and romaine, adds texture and nutrition to the salad.
Carrots - Thinly sliced or grated carrots add a pop of color and a subtle sweetness to the salad.
Cucumbers - Sliced cucumbers add a refreshing crunch to the salad.
Radishes - Thinly sliced radishes add a peppery kick and vibrant color to the salad.
Avocado - Diced avocado adds a creamy and rich texture to the salad.
Roasted nuts - Optional, but highly recommended, roasted nuts, such as almonds or cashews, add a satisfying crunch to the salad.
Instructions
1. Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mirin, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and vegetable oil until well combined.
Alternatively, you can add all the ingredients to a mason jar, close the lid, and shake vigorously until well combined.
Taste and adjust the flavors, adding more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or rice vinegar for tanginess.
2. Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, and avocado.
Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Top with roasted nuts if using.
Enjoy your delicious Japanese garden salad!
Not only is this dressing perfect for salads, but it also makes a delicious marinade for grilled meats or a flavorful sauce for rice bowls. The possibilities are endless with this versatile dressing. So go ahead and impress your taste buds with this easy and delicious Japanese garden salad dressing recipe!
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