Skip to content
Experience the rich and savory taste of Miso Dressing - a classic vinaigrette found in Japanese restaurants. Create your own versatile dressing at home to enhance your favorite salads, feature tangy citrus and bitter greens, or elevate grilled fish and rice dishes. Share the love with the community by serving up this foolproof dressing - perfect for any occasion!
What is Miso: Fermented Soybean Paste
Miso is a traditional Japanese paste made from fermented soybeans, salt, and koji, a type of fungus. This fermentation process gives miso its rich, savory flavor, often described as umami. Miso is a staple in Japanese cooking, adding depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. It’s also packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that support gut health. There are several types of miso, each with its own unique flavor profile and texture. White miso, for example, is milder and slightly sweet, making it perfect for salad dressings and lighter dishes.
Benefits of Miso Dressing
Miso dressing offers several health benefits, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire:
- High in Antioxidants: Miso paste contains antioxidants that help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation.
- Supports Gut Health: The probiotics in miso can support gut health and boost the immune system.
- Low in Calories: Miso dressing is generally low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight.
- Versatile: Miso dressing can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and slaws to noodle bowls and roasted vegetables.
Incorporating miso dressing into your meals not only enhances flavor but also provides numerous health benefits, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your well-being.
Did you know that raw honey has health benefits?
Better Organic
When purchasing miso, opt for organic varieties. Conventionally grown soybeans are often treated with harmful pesticides and chemicals, posing risks to both your health and the environment. Similarly, choose organic lemons for this recipe as they retain pesticide residues on their rind, making it challenging to remove.
No need to add salt to this dressing since miso is already salty. Adding extra salt would make it inedible. Feel free to add chili paste or powder to spice things up!
How to make Miso Dressing Recipe
First: Gather Ingredients including White Miso Paste
Tupelo Honey was delicious in this recipe!
It’s so easy to make a miso dressing recipe. First, let’s talk about the ingredients. Because when you see the list, you might see some strange characters. Trust me, these ingredients come together quickly and easily and combine to make the best dressing ever. Check your pantry and your refrigerator for all of the ingredients. You’ll need frozen orange juice concentrate, organic white miso, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil.
Second: Mix Ingredients
Combine orange juice concentrate, organic white miso, Bee Inspired Honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a measuring cup. Whisk together well. Slowly add olive oil, constantly whisking to emulsify the ingredients together.
Third: Enjoy This Delicious Recipe
After your ingredients are all mixed together, the only thing left for you to do is enjoy it! This dressing pairs perfectly with a number of different dishes and ingredients, so don't be afraid to get creative.
Miso Dressing Recipe Variations
Miso dressing is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dishes. Here are some popular variations:
- Rice Vinegar Miso Salad Dressing: Rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar can be added to miso dressing to enhance its tangy flavor and provide a subtle acidity that balances the rich umami of the miso paste. Simply whisk a tablespoon of rice vinegar into the dressing mixture, adjusting the amount to suit your taste preferences.
- Ginger Miso Salad Dressing: Add fresh ginger to the classic miso dressing recipe for a spicy kick. This miso ginger dressing is great for slaws, salads, and noodle bowls.
- Creamy White Miso Salad Dressing: Blend white miso paste with avocado oil and maple syrup to create a creamy and sweet dressing. It’s ideal for salads, roasted vegetables, and even potatoes.
- Lime Juice Miso Salad Dressing: For a refreshing twist, swap the lemon juice with lime juice in your miso dressing recipe. This change adds a zesty citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the umami richness of the miso paste.
- Soy Sauce Miso Salad Dressing: Enhance your miso salad dressing by incorporating a splash of soy sauce, which adds a rich, salty depth to the umami flavor. Simply whisk in one to two tablespoons of soy sauce into the dressing mixture, adjusting to taste for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Sesame Seed Miso Salad Dressing: Incorporating toasted sesame seeds into your miso salad dressing recipe not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the nutty undertones of the toasted sesame oil, creating a more complex flavor profile. The seeds bring an additional layer of texture and visual appeal, elevating the overall dining experience with each bite.
These variations showcase the versatility of miso paste and how it can be used to create delicious and unique salad dressings. Feel free to substitute the regular olive oil for extra virgin olive oil or any other oil you prefer.
Gluten-Free Miso Dressing Options
For those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity, there are several gluten-free miso dressing options available. Many brands offer gluten-free miso paste made from fermented soybeans, rice, and koji. Here are some popular choices:
-
Hikari Miso’s Organic White Miso: This gluten-free miso paste is made from organic rice and soybeans, offering a bright beige color and a mild flavor.
-
Miso Master’s Gluten-Free White Miso: This NSF gluten-free certified miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and rice, ensuring a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
Additionally, many miso dressing recipes can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by substituting any gluten-containing ingredients with gluten-free alternatives.
Make this easy Gluten-Free High Protein Cheesecake for dessert
Delicious Ways to Use Citrus Miso Dressing
Citrus miso dressing is a versatile addition to many dishes, enhancing flavors with its unique combination of savory miso and zesty citrus. Here are some delightful ways to incorporate it into your meals:
- Salads: Drizzle miso dressing over leafy greens like spinach, arugula, or kale for a refreshing and flavorful salad. It pairs especially well with salads that include fruits like oranges or grapefruit, adding a burst of citrusy goodness.
- Grain Bowls: Elevate your grain bowls by adding this dressing to quinoa, brown rice, or farro. The umami flavor of the miso complements the earthy grains and any vegetables you choose to include.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts with miso dressing for a deliciously tangy finish. The dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a harmonious balance.
- Noodle Salads: Use miso dressing as a sauce for cold noodle salads. It works wonderfully with soba noodles, adding a refreshing touch to the dish, especially when mixed with sliced cucumbers and bell peppers.
- Grilled Fish: Brush miso dressing over grilled fish like salmon or cod for an extra layer of flavor. The citrus notes brighten the dish, while the miso provides depth and richness.
- Tofu or Tempeh: Marinate tofu or tempeh in miso dressing before baking or grilling. The dressing infuses the protein with a savory and tangy taste that’s sure to impress.
These ideas showcase the versatility of citrus miso dressing, making it a must-have condiment in your kitchen to enhance a variety of dishes.
Use this dressing on top of these grilled summer vegetables
Try this Miso Dressing on top of our Kale Salad!
It used to be that kale was just a decoration on a buffet table. Today it's used as a nutritious part of any meal. You have to try this kale salad recipe, and in place of the suggested dressing, use this miso dressing.
We believe salad dressings made from scratch are much better than store-bought dressings. I guess that nobody realizes how easy they are to make. Try this honey lemon vinaigrette out also; you won't be disappointed. If you decide to make our Miso Dressing, take a picture and send it to us on Instagram! We love seeing your photos!
Updated 3/31/2025
