Best Miso Dressing Recipe {Quick and Easy!}

This miso dressing recipe is about to become your go-to secret for adding instant flavour magic to any meal. It’s wonderfully creamy from the miso, perfectly nutty thanks to the sesame oil, and bursting with that irresistible umami taste that makes every bite better. I love drizzling this miso dressing over noodles, crispy tofu, or roasted veggies like my Honey-Roasted Carrots & Parsnips whenever they need a little extra lift.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This miso salad dressing adds so much flavour that even a simple bowl of greens feels special.

• Bold flavours: White miso gives this dressing its rich umami taste. It’s savoury, slightly sweet, and so tasty you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. This is my go-to miso salad dressing recipe whenever my salads need a boost of flavour.
• Healthy: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like miso, olive oil and rice vinegar, this dressing gives you that big umami hit without any heaviness.
• Easy to make: This Japanese miso dressing comes together in about 5 minutes with no blender needed. Just like my 10-minute Healthy Noodle Bowls, it’s perfect when you want something delicious in a hurry.
• Versatile: This dressing also works on just about anything – it tastes great on noodles, grilled fish, or even as a quick marinade for chicken. You can also use this miso dressing recipe in rice bowls like my Crispy Soy Tofu, Aubergine & Rice bowl.

If you like quick sauces that make everything taste better, try my Tangy Parmesan Vinaigrette (with Secret Ingredient), Steak Dipping Sauce (Cowboy Butter!) or The Best Submarine Dressing Recipe {Beanos Copycat}.

Ingredients

The miso dressing ingredients are simple pantry staples you probably already have. Here’s what makes this easy miso dressing so good:

• Miso Paste: I go for white miso paste because it gives you that savoury base without taking over, adding a bit of sweetness you want in the best miso dressing recipe. If you only have dark miso, use about half and taste as you go since it’s stronger. You can also use either in my Miso Aubergine with Edamame Beans and Brown Rice.
• Oil: A mix of sesame and olive oil gives the miso dressing salad recipe its silky texture. Sesame oil adds depth and olive oil rounds it out.
• Rice Vinegar: This cuts through the oil and balances the miso perfectly, making it lighter. Similarly to the rice vinegar used to make this Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce.

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

Try these ways to mix up your white miso salad dressing:

• Flavour variations: Swap some rice vinegar for lemon juice to brighten the flavour – it’s lovely with grilled fish or this Perfect Pan Fried Cod with Garlic Butter. For extra depth, add grated ginger, a splash of soy sauce, or a touch more sesame oil.
• Make it creamy: Blend in avocado or a spoonful of Greek yoghurt. It turns into a thick, creamy miso vinaigrette that clings to crunchy greens.
• Boost the sweetness: Stir in extra honey or use maple syrup instead for a gentler flavour in your miso dressing recipe. It’s great with spicy dishes like The Best Spicy Chili Oil Ramen Noodles.

How to make this Miso Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Add the minced garlic to a chopping board. Sprinkle over a pinch of flaky salt, then use the side of your knife to press and drag the garlic back and forth until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 2: Add the white miso paste, garlic paste, oils, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the water a little at a time. This helps emulsify the dressing, creating a creamy, balanced texture.

Step 4: Taste your miso dressing and adjust to preference. Enjoy over salads, noodles, or roasted veggies.

Use this miso dressing alongside other budget-friendly Asian-inspired dishes like Gochujang Noodles (Spicy Korean Noodles), Peanut Butter Chicken Satay Curry, or Delicious Chicken Mince Stir Fry.

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve made this miso dressing recipe, you’ll start looking for ways to use it. It adds instant flavour to:

• Viral Salmon Rice Bowl (Tiktok Recipe)
• Quick Yaki Udon (15 Minute Stir-fried Udon Noodles)
• Crispy Pan-Fried Salmon Bites
• The BEST Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
• Budget Green Goddess Salad (Viral TikTok Recipe)
• Sauteed Broccoli (in 10 minutes!)

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

I like to make my miso dressing recipe ahead of time so there’s always some ready in the fridge.

Refrigerator: Store in a jar for up to 5-7 days. Give it a good shake before using.

Freezer: This miso dressing keeps well in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good whisk or shake so the oils blend smoothly again.

Reheat: No need. Let it sit out for a few minutes, then stir in a splash of water if it’s too thick.

Recipe FAQs

If you like having easy meals ready to go, pair this miso dressing with simple meal prep ideas like Singapore Fried Rice (Simple & Easy), Turkey Mince Recipe with Rice (Gochujang Fried Rice), or One Pot Chicken & Rice.