I have always been a huge fan of classic creamy dressings, but sometimes my lunchtime salads scream for something with a bit more zing and umami. That is exactly where this Asian Ranch Dressing comes in to save the day! It is the perfect fusion of that comforting, creamy texture we all love, combined with the savory depth of soy sauce and sesame. Whether you are drizzling it over a crunchy slaw or using it as a dip for fresh veggies, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Yields: 2/3 cup (approx. 160ml) Prep Time: 5 minutes Cost: ~$0.51 total
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (4 oz / 115g) Vegan mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup (2.7 fl oz / 80ml) Rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup (2 fl oz / 60ml) Soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz / 28g) Sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons (0.3 oz / 8g) Granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (1g) Powdered ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon (2g) Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (3g) Fresh chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine the base ingredients: Place the 1/2 cup (115g) vegan mayonnaise, 1/3 cup (80ml) rice vinegar, 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce, 2 tbsp (28g) sesame oil, 2 tsp (8g) sugar, 1/2 tsp (1g) powdered ginger, and 3/4 tsp (2g) garlic powder into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth: Pulse or blend on high speed for 30 to 45 seconds until the mixture is fully emulsified, creamy, and uniform in color.
- Incorporate the herbs: Pour the dressing into a serving jar or bowl, add the 1 tablespoon (3g) of chopped fresh chives, and stir gently by hand to distribute them evenly (do not blend the chives, or the dressing will turn green).
- Taste and serve: Taste the dressing and adjust salt or sweetness if necessary, then serve immediately or cover tightly and refrigerate; the flavors will meld further after 30 minutes of chilling.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
- Calories: 69 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 383mg
- Fiber: 0g
Pro Tips for the Best Asian Ranch
Here are a few chef secrets to ensure your Asian Ranch Dressing turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Toasted Sesame Oil: Make sure you use toasted sesame oil rather than light or cold-pressed sesame oil. The toasted variety adds that signature deep, nutty aroma that defines the flavor profile of this dressing.
- Let the Flavors Marinate: While you can eat this immediately, letting the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the garlic powder and ginger to fully hydrate and meld with the creamy base.
- Control the Salinity: Different brands of soy sauce have varying salt levels. Start with slightly less soy sauce if you are sensitive to salt, and taste as you go. If it’s too salty, a splash more rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar can balance it out.
- Fresh Chives Matter: Always stir the chives in by hand at the end rather than blending them. Blending herbs can release chlorophyll, turning your beautiful creamy white dressing a muddy green color and potentially making it taste bitter.
- Thickening Power: Since this uses vegan mayonnaise, it may firm up slightly when chilled. If it becomes too thick for drizzling after a day in the fridge, simply whisk in a teaspoon of water or almond milk to loosen it up again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this Asian Ranch Dressing gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. The only ingredient you usually need to swap is the soy sauce. Simply use Tamari or liquid coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce to ensure it is safe for gluten-free diets.
How long does homemade Asian Ranch stay fresh in the refrigerator? Since this recipe uses stable ingredients like mayonnaise and vinegar, it stores well. When kept in an airtight container or mason jar, this dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Is this dressing suitable for a keto diet? This recipe is relatively low in carbs, but it does contain a small amount of sugar and rice vinegar. To make it strictly keto-friendly, you can substitute the sugar with a keto sweetener like erythritol or stevia, and check your mayonnaise labels for added sugars.
What dishes pair best with this dressing? This versatile sauce works perfectly as a dairy-free salad dressing for crunchy slaws or romaine salads. It is also excellent as a dipping sauce for fresh cucumber slices, bell peppers, or even drizzled over roasted broccoli and grain bowls.
Conclusion
I really hope you give this Asian Ranch Dressing a try this week! It is truly one of those easy blender recipes that delivers high-impact flavor with minimal effort. Whether you are looking for a quick Asian fusion sauce to liven up your weeknight dinner or just need a healthy salad topper that breaks the monotony of standard vinaigrettes, this recipe fits the bill. Once you taste how fresh and vibrant a homemade salad dressing can be, you might never go back to the bottled stuff again.
