Elevate your salad game with this Creamy Miso Vinaigrette. This homemade salad dressing is so good, you’ll find yourself adding extra dollops to every meal. This miso dressing transforms any simple salad into a gourmet experience with its rich blend of salty, earthy, nutty, and sweet flavors. Not just for greens, it’s also perfect spooned over cold noodles, tofu, or grilled meat. This has become one of our go to dressing for all occasions.
For years, I’ve been dissatisfied with most store-bought dressings, leading me to create my own. In my quest for a creamy Asian-style dressing that delivered on flavor, I developed this miso vinaigrette. Its umami-rich profile makes it irresistible, whether on a green salad, used as a dipping sauce, or drizzled over Buddha bowls. I often find myself adding 1-2 more spoonful’s of dressing than I probably should because it’s just that delicious.
Why you’ll love this miso vinaigrette
- Versatile: The creamy miso vinaigrette is incredibly versatile, whether tossed with kale salad, mixed with grains, or drizzled over veggies, it elevates every dish it touches. It is the perfect miso dressing for buddha bowls.
- Quick to Make: Whipping up this dressing takes just a minute—all you need to do is combine the ingredients and give it a quick shake.
- Gut Health: Miso not only adds a savory depth of flavor but also boasts probiotic properties that supports gut health and aid digestion.
Ingredients (and substitutes)
- Neutral Oil – For a neutral base, opt for canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil as they have subtle flavors that won’t overpower the dressing’s delicate balance. While extra virgin olive oil can be substituted, its robust flavor may compete with the other elements of this dressing.
- Miso Paste – readily available in most grocery stores, is a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine it has a rich umami flavor and is made from fermented soybean paste. There are a few different types of miso paste, I’ve used both in this dressing depending on how intense I want the flavor to be and what I already have open in my fridge.
- Red Miso Paste- characterized by its deeper hue, offers a funkier flavor profile, adding complexity to dishes. It has a complex savory flavor that is salty and earthy.
- White Miso Paste – also known as shiro miso, carries a subtle touch of sweetness alongside its salty notes and typically exhibits a range of colors from beige to pale yellow, offering slightly milder taste a delicate balance of flavors.
- Water
- Rice Wine Vinegar – available in most grocery stores, offers a mild acidity. In a pinch, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can serve as an alternative
- Maple Syrup – for optimal flavor and sweetness, it’s recommended to always use pure maple syrup in this miso dressing. Alternatives include honey or fresh orange juice.
- Chives – Fresh chives lend aromatic notes and a gentle onion flavor to the dressing; however, if unavailable, green onion or shallots can be substituted to provide similar flavor. Just be sure to mince them finely.
- Salt and Pepper
How to make this creamy miso dressing
In a Mason Jar: Combine vegetable oil, miso paste, maple syrup, fresh chives, water, salt, and pepper then shake until thoroughly mixed. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
In a small bowl: Add all ingredients to a small bowl then whisk until a smooth texture is achieved. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Questions about this creamy miso vinaigrette:
What type of miso paste is best to use in homemade salad dressings?
Both red and white miso paste are okay to use in this miso dressing recipe. Red miso offers a bolder, funkier taste, while white miso provides a milder, slightly sweet flavor. If you are trying this recipe for the first time, consider using white miso to see if you prefer a more intense flavor next time. I’ve used both before when making the vinaigrette, I usually choose based on the desired flavor intensity and what I already have open in my fridge.
What is the difference between Red and White Miso.
Miso paste, a staple in Japanese cooking, is a thick paste made from fermented soybeans known for its rich umami flavor. Red miso has a stronger, funkier taste with a higher soybean content, making it ideal for heartier dishes. In contrast, white miso is milder and slightly sweet, perfect for lighter recipes and dressings.
Epiciurious has a really great post with more information on Miso if you are looking for more information.
How to store Miso Dressing
Store miso dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to a week. Before using, give the dressing a good shake to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
What Does Miso Dressing Taste Like?
This miso dressing recipe is a creamy and rich vinaigrette with a blend of salty, earthy, nutty, and sweet flavors. The miso paste brings a subtle, funky, earthy flavor that is addictive and perfectly balanced by the mild acidity of rice wine vinegar and the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup. Its complex flavor profile makes it a versatile and delicious addition to salads, grains, and vegetables.
Is this Miso Dressing Recipe Vegan?
Yes, this Miso Dressing recipe is vegan. All the ingredients are plant-based and should be okay for a vegan diet.
Creamy Miso Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ¾ cup neutral oil either canola or vegetable oil
- ½ cup miso paste either white or red miso paste is best
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix: In a glass mason jar, combine vegetable oil, miso paste, maple syrup, fresh chives, water, salt, and pepper, then shake until thoroughly mixed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
The BEST Asian dressing!