Name: Creamy Roasted Sesame Dressing with Honey Ginger
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup mayo; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; dash pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ginger

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

My Creamy Roasted Sesame Dressing with Honey Ginger is the perfect blend of bold, natural flavors you won’t find in a typical grocery store bottle. Made with simple ingredients like roasted whole sesame seeds, honey, and ginger, this dressing has a rich, nutty flavor that brings out the best in any salad or dipping sauce.

As a healthy foodie who loves creating delicious recipes, I’m excited to share how this homemade version delivers all the flavor without the additives. It’s a versatile staple you’ll want to keep on hand for various lunches, snacks, weeknight dinners or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Asian Salad Dressing Recipe

Bold, Nutty Flavor: Roasted sesame seeds and honey ginger create a rich, delicious taste that elevates any salad or dish.
Made with Simple Ingredients: No need for store-bought—this dressing uses whole, natural ingredients you probably already have at home.
Versatile and Easy: Perfect for salads, dipping sauces, or drizzling over roasted veggies, it’s a go-to dressing for any meal.
Better than Bottled: Skip the additives and enjoy this homemade version that’s bursting with flavor and freshness!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best Asian Sesame Dressing recipe:

Garlic Powder: You can omit this or replace it with 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic or onion powder.

Black Pepper: Use a dash of white pepper for a milder flavor or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.

Honey: Replace with maple syrup for a vegan option or agave syrup for a milder sweetness.

Rice Vinegar: Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts.

Soy Sauce: Use gluten-free soy sauce, light soy sauce, regular soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.

Sesame Oil: Replace with olive oil or gluten-free tamari for a similar flavor.

Fresh Ginger: Use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.

Toasted Sesame Seeds: You can use plain white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or chopped cashews for a nutty crunch. You can use whole sesame seeds and grind them or buy ground sesame seeds.

Mayonnaise: Swap with Japanese mayo, Greek yogurt, regular mayo or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.

How to Make My Delicious Creamy Roasted Sesame Dressing Recipe

Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my easy Asian roasted sesame salad dressing recipe. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

Step 1: Grind the Sesame Seeds

Grind 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds in the chopper cup of an immersion blender or food processor. You can also smash them in a bowl and mortar or spread them in a plastic bag, lay it flat on the counter, and roll it with a rolling pin.

Step 2: Blend the Dressing

In a small bowl, or the chopper cup with an immersion blender or food processor, add 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a dash pepper and mix until well blended.

Adding toasted sesame seeds to a chopper cup to blend.

Adding dressing ingredients to chopper cup.

Helpful Recipe Notes

Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Roasting Sesame Seeds: You can use plain sesame seeds and dry roast them in a frying pan over medium heat until lightly brown. Do not add any butter or oil. Roasting the seeds first will give them the best flavor.

Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the honey or substitute with a mild sweetener like maple syrup or a low-glycemic option such as monk fruit.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Roasted Sesame Dressing with Honey Ginger

Drizzle over grilled or roasted meat dishes to add rich, nutty depth and much flavor.
Toss into chicken salads for a creamy, Asian-inspired twist that pairs beautifully with fresh veggies.
Use as a dressing for a green salad, turning simple greens into a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Mix with shredded veggies for a vibrant and tangy Asian coleslaw full of much flavor.
Serve as a veggie dip, perfect for raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
Spoon over a pile of cabbage to create a quick and easy slaw that complements any main course.

Refrigeration: Store the sesame dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

Can I make this roasted sesame dressing vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this dressing vegan by replacing the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup, and using vegan mayonnaise.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, or use a vegan mayo for a dairy-free option. You can also omit it.

Is there a gluten-free version of this Asian dressing?
Absolutely! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your other ingredients (like mayonnaise) are gluten-free.

How do I toast sesame seeds?
To toast sesame seeds, place plain sesame seeds in a dry frying pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until they become golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic for the garlic powder if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.

How can I make this dressing spicier?
To add a kick to the dressing, simply mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicier variety of sesame oil like chili-infused sesame oil.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, this sesame dressing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors may even improve as it sits.

What’s a good substitute for sesame oil?
Olive oil can be used as a substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly. For a more authentic flavor, you can try gluten-free tamari mixed with a touch of olive oil.

How do I adjust the sweetness?
If the dressing is too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a less sweet option like monk fruit or a mild sweetener like maple syrup.

Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger instead of fresh ginger if that’s what you have on hand. Freshly grated ginger will give the dressing a brighter, more intense flavor.

What can I use instead of toasted sesame seeds?
If you don’t have toasted sesame seeds, you can use plain sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or chopped cashews to add a similar nutty crunch.

Can I use another type of vinegar?
Yes, rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts.

Do you love Asian-inspired flavors? Check out more of my easy and nutritious Asian flavored recipes:

More Healthy Sauce Recipes

Easy 5 Minute Homemade Ketchup with Honey and Garlic

Cottage cheese ranch dip in a mason jar.

Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip Healthy and High-Protein

Jar of creamy Italian salad dressing in a mason jar.

Creamy Italian Dressing Quick Olive Garden Copycat

Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Syrup with Cottage Cheese