Homemade Japanese Miso Salad Dressing: Ready in minutes

Have you ever wondered why those simple green salads at Japanese restaurants are so addictive? That creamy, tangy dressing, with its perfect balance of savory and sweet notes, seems impossible to recreate at home—until now. After countless visits to places like Shogun and local Teppanyaki restaurants, I became determined to unlock the secret to their famous salad dressing.

The mystery ingredient? Fresh miso paste. This fermented soybean paste is the foundation of authentic Japanese flavor and delivers that distinctive umami richness that makes restaurant dressings memorable. With this recipe, you’ll create a dressing that rivals your favorite Japanese restaurant, elevating simple salads into something extraordinary.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What Makes Japanese Miso Dressing Special

Unlike typical American salad dressings, Japanese miso dressing balances multiple flavor dimensions: umami from miso, tanginess from rice vinegar, sweetness from mirin, and richness from quality mayonnaise. Adding toasted sesame oil provides that authentic Asian finish that ties everything together.

This isn’t a direct copycat of any specific restaurant’s dressing—instead, it combines the best elements from various Japanese restaurants to create something uniquely delicious. Some versions emphasize garlic, while others highlight sesame notes. This recipe perfectly balances all these components for a versatile dressing that works with countless dishes.

Ingredients and Their Purpose

• Mayonnaise – Creates the creamy base that carries all other flavors; Japanese mayo like Kewpie adds authenticity if available
• White Miso Paste – Provides the essential umami foundation and signature savory depth
• Garlic – Adds aromatic pungency that enhances all other flavors
• Seasoned Rice Vinegar – Contributes brightness and acidity while balancing the richness
• Rice Cooking Wine (Mirin) – Adds natural sweetness and complexity that plain sugar can’t match
• Sugar – Enhances sweetness and helps balance the saltiness of miso
• Soy Sauce – Deepens the umami notes and adds color and seasoning
• Peanut or Vegetable Oil – Provides smoothness and helps emulsify the dressing
• Toasted Sesame Oil – Delivers the distinctive nutty finish that defines Japanese dressings

If you do a lot of Asian-style cooking, you may already have some of these in your pantry. If you need it, here’s another online source for various ingredients used in Japanese cuisine. You will enjoy this dressing on your iceberg lettuce salad.

How to Make Japanese Salad Dressing

This no-fuss dressing comes together in minutes without special equipment:

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld (though it can be used immediately if needed).
• Gather all ingredients and measure them into a medium mixing bowl.
• Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth and well combined.
• Taste and adjust seasonings if needed (more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tanginess).
• Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid.

You can serve this dressing with

Enjoy this dressing on an appetizer or side salad with cucumbers and tomatoes, pairing it with other foods you’d enjoy at your favorite Japanese restaurant, such as noodles. Alternatively, make an entire meal with the salad, Teppanyaki vegetables and meat, and steamed rice.

Other delicious pairings are chicken katsu, vegetable or shrimp tempura, or sushi.

How to store Japanese salad dressing

Transfer any leftover dressing into an airtight container. You can use a Mason jar or squeeze bottle with a tight-fitting cap. Please keep it in the refrigerator.

How long does it last?

This salad dressing lasts approximately seven days, give or take. At the seven-day mark, check for signs of spoilage before using.

More Teppanyaki Copycat Recipes

• Steak Hibachi
• Best Japanese Fried Rice Recipe
• How to Make Japanese Hibachi Mustard Sauce
• Katsu Sauce

Recipes with Miso

• Miso Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
• Homemade Hibachi Steak

Easy Homemade Salad Dressings

• Ginger Salad Dressing Recipe
• Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Dressing
• Olive Garden Italian Dressing Recipe
• Recipe for Hot Bacon Dressing
• French Dressing Recipe
• Buttermilk Dressing Recipe
• Blue Cheese Salad Dressing Recipe

Be sure to check out more of the best salad dressing recipes and Japanese food recipes.