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There is no word for ‘salad’ in Japanese, as there are no salads in authentic Japanese cuisine as we know of salad in the western world. Pronounced sá.rá.dá, Japanese welcomed western salads when the likes of lettuce, tomato, asparagus, broccoli, etc. were introduced to Japan, and that they were eaten raw with a dressing. For decades now, Japanese have salads in the morning when they have western style breakfast. Innovative Japanese people came up with varieties of dressings, distinct
to their modern cuisine. You may have enjoyed some at Japanese restaurants or purchased them bottled, at Japanese supermarkets. Soy sauce/shōyu dressing, miso dressing, sesame/goma dressing, yuzu dressing, and it goes on and on. This time, I would like to introduce you to carrot/ninjin dressing.
Japanese style carrot dressing is very refreshing, so flavorful, on a low calorie side, a delight
to every palate. It goes well with fresh salad greens as well as steamed vegetables.
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Carrot Dressing • 人参ドレッシング
Recipe by: Fae’s Twist & Tango (fae-magazine.com)
I do not recommend to substitute apple for sugar, sesame seed (or tahini) for sesame oil, skip the miso, add soy sauce, or lemon juice.
I have tested all those variations and it really does not work.
This is the simplest and most delicious choices of ingredients to achieve a pleasing Japanese style carrot dressing taste.
INGREDIENTS
• 72 g/ 2½ oz/ 1 small~medium carrot, chopped in small pieces
• 35 g/ 1¼ oz/ ¼ small onion (less but no more)
• 15 g/ 0.5 oz/ 1″ inch fresh ginger, peeled and sliced (no more)
• 60 g/ 4 Tbsp rice vinegar (rice vinegar is milder, do not substitute)
• 30 g/ 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 9 g/ 2 tsp sesame oil (premium/100%)
• 18 g/ 1 Tbsp white miso (this adds a great flavor)
• 19 g/ 1½ Tbsp granulated sugar
• pinch each of salt & ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS
◊ Place all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth and no chunks of any ingredient are seen. Makes 227 grams/8 wt.oz.
◊ Best enjoyed with raw salads made of iceberg or romaine lettuce with cucumber, tomato, etc., or on blanched vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, etc. If desired, sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top to garnish.
◊ Store in a jar with a tight lid, in the refrigerator for 4 ~ 6 days.
~ どうぞめしあがれ • Douzo Meshiagare ~
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So, what’s cooking in your kitchen?
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Fae, Everytime I stop by for a visit I learn something new. I hadn’t realized that salads were not common in Japan until recently. This dressing is one I know I would enjoy and the color is wonderful.
I love this! I’m not crazy about eating raw carrots, so I have to find other ways to get carrots into my diet–this is perfect!
Hi Nancy, Yes, this is a good way to have some fresh carrots! 😀 )))
What a brilliant looking dressing Fae. I don’t believe I’ve ever tried a carrot dressing before, this makes me want to gather up all the ingredients pronto and serve it for tonight’s dinner. 🙂
Hi Loretta! I’m glad this dressing sounds good to you. When you make it, please tell me how you like it. 🙂
I love the freshness of the ingredients and the colorfulness of the finish look!
Hi Chris, Have you tried it yet? 😀
What a great idea! I’ve never heard of anything like this but love carrot in salads and all the Asian flavours so I’m definitely trying this. 🙂
Hi Amanda, I’m glad this dressing sounds good to you. When you make it, please tell me how you like it. 🙂
Thank you for all the tips on this, I trust your recipe! Looks amazing and something new to try
Thank you so much, Mary, for your vote of confidence. Please try it and let me know what you think about it. 🙂
Carrot dressing on a salad is an amazing idea, it sounds so refreshing and delicious. Thank you for another delightful recipe!
Hi Persian Mama! I’m glad you like it. Japanese sure come up with great ideas to enhance western dishes. 😀
Fae, the Carrot dressing looks delicious. I like thick dressing too and love the vibrant color. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you, Linda, for your kind comment. Give this easy dressing a go. It really is very refreshing. 🙂
So uniquely healthy and pretty!
This one, you really should try, Chris! 🙂
I’ve tried a salad with carrot dressing at Japanese restaurant once. It was so good and new to me! Thank you for the recipe, Fae! I have everything, but white miso, which I’m going to get. Can’t wait to recreate it! Also, it’s funny, but I was experimenting with carrot/ginger juice this week. We’re both thinking “carrots” 😀
Hi Vera, So we were on the same wave! 😀 ))) This dressing be a little sweet, I know your young family would love it. They may ask for it frequently! 😀 )))
So interesting!
I love the idea of this dressing – the color and ingredients. Thanks for experimenting with all the potential substitutes and the warnings! I hope to gather all the ingredients and try it soon. 🙂
Hi Ronit, I’ll guarantee you will be happy trying it. It will be your new recipe to delight your family! 🙂
How interesting – I have never had a carrot dressing on any salad. I like the simple and healthy ingredients – I bet the miso does add some great flavor 🙂
Hi Judi, I know how you like testing and trying new things. Do give this dressing a go. I know your taste buds will be pleased. 😀 )))
So interesting, so beautiful and so healthy too! This sounds delicious, Fae (I’ve already bookmarked the recipe!), and I’ll take your list of “no substitutions” to heart when whipping up my own. Thank you!
Hi Nancy, Yes, it really is worth trying. Some recipes are best left to their intended taste/ingredients. Having said that, every one has a distinct taste buds and may like more of this or less of that. I tried every combination to make it healthier and healthier, and came back to how it was intended to taste. 😀 )))
I love the Japanese carrot dressing and have always wondered how to make it. Thank you for posting this Fae. It sounds just perfet.
Hi Suzanne, I’m so glad you like it. Yes, this is the one! When I had it in my youth, it was love with first bite, but I did not figure out that it was made of carrots. I thought it is combination of condiments with ketchup in it. 😀 )))
This sounds really good, and so different from the typical dressing we would get in this part of the world. I like something thicker than the oil/vinegar concoctions with my salads and this looks like it would be good 🙂 xxx
Hi Elaine, Then this would be your kind of dressing with a little Asian twist. 🙂 xxx