Yuzu Ginger Honey Vinaigrette Recipe

If you crave salads with personality, prepare to fall in love with this Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey. Tart, zesty, and kissed with the perfect hint of sweet warmth, this dressing instantly transforms a humble bowl of greens into a vibrant, crave-worthy dish you’ll want on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, Bold Flavor: Tangy yuzu and spicy ginger deliver an unforgettable punch that livens up everyday salads.
  • Ready In 5 Minutes: Effortless to prepare—just measure, shake or whisk, and you’re good to go, no fancy equipment needed.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, from extra zing to more sweetness.
  • Restaurant-Quality At Home: Makes even simple mixed greens feel like a special-occasion starter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey is how a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients can make such an impact. Each one brings its own spark—don’t skip a thing for full flavor fireworks!

  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich base and helps carry all those bright flavors across your greens.
  • Yuzu Juice: Brings irresistible citrusy tang and signature Japanese flair—absolutely key for that unique flavor.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds gentle acidity without overwhelming the delicate yuzu or honey.
  • Dijon Mustard: Binds the vinaigrette together and amps up the zip just enough.
  • Ginger (freshly grated): Gives the dressing a lively, almost peppery warmth that plays so well with the other flavors.
  • Honey: Balances the tartness of the yuzu and vinegar, rounding everything into perfect harmony.
  • Kosher Salt: Don’t skip the seasoning—a pinch wakes up every other flavor in the mix.
  • White Pepper: Lighter than black pepper, it quietly enhances the zing without stealing the show.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This vinaigrette adapts brilliantly to personal tastes and whatever you’ve got in your pantry—so feel free to play! A few creative swaps or additions and you’ll make it your own in no time.

  • Swap the Honey: Try maple syrup or agave for a vegan version, or change the character with brown rice syrup or a touch of mirin.
  • Turn Up the Heat: Add a tiny splash of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes if you love a spicy kick.
  • Make it Creamy: Blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a creamy yuzu-ginger dressing that clings to every leaf.
  • Citrus Medley: If you can’t find yuzu, combine lemon, lime, and grapefruit juice for a fun, bright substitute.

How to Make Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey

Step 1: Grate Fresh Ginger

Start by grating your ginger as finely as possible—this ensures that every bit melts right into the vinaigrette. I recommend using a microplane or a really fine grater, so you get all the zing and freshness without any fibrous texture.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Measure out the olive oil, yuzu juice, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, honey, salt, and white pepper. Add everything to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, and get ready to shake up some flavor magic!

Step 3: Shake or Whisk Until Emulsified

Shake the jar vigorously for 20–30 seconds until the dressing looks creamy and unified. If you’re more of a bowl-and-whisk person, that works too—just whisk until it’s fully blended, glossy, and smooth.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey a taste-test—maybe a bit more honey for sweetness or a pinch more salt for pop. Adjust to your liking, then pour over your favorite salad or store for later brilliance.

Pro Tips for Making Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey

  • Ginger Grating Perfection: Use a microplane for superfine ginger that melts into the vinaigrette and never feels stringy—no unpleasant bites here!
  • Shake vs. Whisk: Shaking in a tightly-lidded jar creates a creamy emulsion without fuss, but a brisk hand-whisk gives you total control if you love old-school prep.
  • Taste As You Go: Yuzu can vary in intensity—a quick taste lets you balance sweet, tangy, and spicy exactly to your liking.
  • Mind the Yuzu Substitutes: If using yuzu puree or marmalade, reduce the honey until you’ve tasted, as they’re often pre-sweetened and can quickly tip the balance.

How to Serve Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey

Yuzu Ginger Honey Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Add a little flourish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds, finely sliced green onions, or even thinly shaved radish over your salad to echo the bright, zippy flavors of your Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey. A few fresh herbs—think cilantro or shiso—make the bowl pop visually and add even more layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This dressing is delightfully versatile, pairing beautifully with Japanese rice bowls, sticky tofu, roasted salmon, or even grilled chicken. Try it with soba noodles tossed with vegetables or alongside classic edamame for a vibrant, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, interactive dinner, serve your Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey in tiny pitchers or shot glasses so guests can drizzle as they like. Or build a “salad bar” of baby greens, julienned carrots, daikon, crunchy snap peas, and garnish—finish with a tableside shake of the vinaigrette for restaurant flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover vinaigrette stores beautifully in a lidded jar in the fridge for up to one week. Give it a quick shake before using again, as natural separation may occur—no worries, a little agitation and it’s silky-smooth once more!

Freezing

While technically possible to freeze, this dressing’s delicate texture and fresh ginger shine brightest when enjoyed fresh. If you must, freeze in small portions and thaw in the fridge, but fresher is always better for Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey.

Reheating

This dressing really doesn’t need reheating—it’s meant to be enjoyed cool or at room temperature. If it thickens in the fridge, allow it to sit out for 10 minutes, then shake or whisk to restore the perfect pourable texture.

FAQs

  1. What does yuzu taste like, and can I substitute it?

    Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit with a unique balance of tart, tangy, and floral flavors—like a cross between lemon, lime, and grapefruit, but not quite any of them! If you can’t find real yuzu juice, mix lemon, lime, and grapefruit juice for a similar effect, but nothing truly replicates yuzu’s magical complexity.

  2. Is Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey vegan?

    The base recipe uses honey, but you can easily swap in maple syrup or agave for a 100% vegan dressing with the same punchy flavor and silky texture.

  3. Can I make the dressing in advance?

    Absolutely! Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey keeps perfectly for up to a week in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep and spontaneous salad cravings alike.

  4. What kind of salads work best with this vinaigrette?

    Its vibrant flavor is dynamite on mixed greens, baby spinach, arugula, or even chopped veggies. It also works as a noodle salad dressing or a drizzle on cooked proteins—honestly, you’ll want to put it on everything!

Final Thoughts

If your salads need a little extra sparkle, I can’t recommend this Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey enough. With bright citrus, cozy ginger, and golden honey in perfect harmony, every bite feels like a refresh. I hope you love every zesty, sunshiny drizzle!

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Yuzu Ginger Honey Vinaigrette Recipe

Yuzu Ginger Honey Vinaigrette Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 108 reviews
  • Author: Wesley
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: No-Cook
  • Method: Blending

Description

This Yuzu Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Ginger and Honey is a delightful combination of citrusy yuzu juice, zesty ginger, and sweet honey, creating a flavorful dressing that elevates any salad.


Ingredients

Salad Dressing:

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp yuzu juice
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 pinch Kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp white pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Grate the Ginger: Use a microplane or zesting tool to grate the ginger if preparing from fresh.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Measure all ingredients and add them to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well-combined, then serve or store. Alternatively, measure all ingredients and place in a small bowl. Use a whisk or fork to vigorously stir until well-combined.

Notes

  • If using yuzu puree or yuzu marmalade, reduce the yuzu juice to 1 1/2 tbsp and omit the honey until tasting. Adjust sweetness according to personal preference as these options are typically sweetened.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 132 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 24 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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