Japanese Salad Dressing with Carrots & Ginger

Japanese Salad Dressing is the highlight of any Hibachi or Japanese Steakhouse Meal, and now you can enjoy it at home! Carrots and Ginger combine to make this easy hibachi salad dressing ready in just 5 minutes!

Japanese salad dressing is my weakness. I literally eat a salad with it at least three times a week! I first discovered this addictive carrot ginger salad dressing at a Hibachi restaurant in college and have been in love with it ever since!

What is Japanese Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing?

This salad dressing is often served in Hibachi and Japanese steakhouse restaurants here in the United States. It is an Americanized version of authentic Japanese dressing which is not actually found in Japan. (See this sesame dressing recipe from Japantry for a more authentic Japanese recipe.)

Ingredients for Japanese Salad Dressing

This Japanese American dressing is packed with flavor, and you may already have all of the ingredients in your kitchen!

• Carrots – diced to add texture and sweetness to the dressing.
• Onion – yellow or white onion is preferred but you can also use a sweet onion
• Ginger – the ginger gives the dressing its signature flavor, it is the perfect amount to be packed with taste but not hot on the tongue
• Sesame Oil – you can substitute any neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil if you do not have sesame on hand
• Garlic – minced garlic adds even more flavor to the dressing
• Celery – this is optional, it is in the original recipe but I often omit it without affecting the taste much
• Rice Vinegar – adds the perfect “bite” to the dressing
• Tomato Paste – just a touch for color and texture
• Soy Sauce – deepens the flavor perfectly
• Sugar – a touch of sweetness
• Lemon juice – to balance the sweetness with acidity
• Salt – just a pinch!

For more salad inspiration check out this homemade ranch dressing mix and this southwest salad with taco dressing!

How to Make Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing

We use a blender (affiliate link) to make this recipe, making it super easy and fast to prep!

1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender (affiliate link) and pulse until mostly smooth, usually about 30-45 seconds (a little texture from the ginger is okay!)
2. Taste test and adjust as needed with salt or sugar.
3. Always shake the dressing before pouring to ensure the oil is mixed in properly.

Easy-peasy!

What to Serve with Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing

This dressing is perfect served over iceberg lettuce alone or with shredded carrots. You can also use other types of firm, crunchy greens.

Serve this Japanese salad with sushi, fried rice, grilled seafood, soba noodles…the possibilities are endless!

FAQs

• Do I need to chop the vegetables first? Because we are blending the dressing you do not need to finely chop the vegetables, just roughly chop so that they can move freely in the blender (affiliate link).
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Make up to 4 days in advance.
• How long does Japanese salad dressing keep? You may store this dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
• Can I use olive oil in place of sesame oil? You can substitute the sesame oil with olive oil but it will alter the taste slightly. If possible use a more. neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil if you do not have sesame oil.

Is your mouth watering yet?

If you try this recipe, please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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This recipe was originally shared in January 2016 and updated with new information July 2020.

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