Japanese Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing Recipe – Japanese Special

Japanese Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish commonly served in Japanese restaurants. Featuring crisp greens, fresh vegetables, and a vibrant, zesty carrot-ginger dressing, this salad is healthy, delicious, and easy to make at home. The dressing, made with fresh carrots, ginger, and a hint of sesame, adds a sweet and tangy kick to the salad, making it a perfect starter or side dish.

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Total Time15 min

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups mixed greens or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned or shredded
  • ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)

For the Carrot Ginger Dressing:

  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or avocado oil)
  • 2 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)

Prepare the Salad:

1

In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

Make the Carrot Ginger Dressing:

2

In a blender or food processor, combine chopped carrot, grated ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, neutral oil, and water.

3

Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed to adjust consistency.

Assemble the Salad:

4

Drizzle the carrot ginger dressing over the salad.

5

Toss gently to coat.

Serve:

6

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired.

7

Serve immediately as a starter or side dish with sushi, teriyaki, or grilled fish.

Recipe Notes :

For extra crunch, add sliced almonds or crispy wonton strips.

Want more protein? Top with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.

For a spicier twist, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing.

Dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.