If you’ve ever felt your salad dressing was a bit… boring, meet the game-changer: this vibrant and creamy carrot-ginger dressing brings bright spring-roll flavors and the light tang of Japanese-style sauces (think what you might enjoy at a Japanese steakhouse salad bar) to your greens. Inspired by Japanese dressings built around fresh grated root veggies, sesame oil and rice vinegar, this version starring carrots, ginger, coconut aminos and a hint of citrus turns everyday salad into something you look forward to. Whether you’re drizzling over leafy greens, using as a dip for crudité or turning it into a marinade, this recipe gives you sleek, fresh, and flavor-packed results in minutes.
We’ve got Molly Sims to thank for this simple-yet-sophisticated recipe (below). Press play to see how it all comes together.
Carrot-Ginger Dressing
Carrot-Ginger Dressing Ingredients
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Carrot-Ginger Dressing
- Put all ingredients into a blender and pulse until smooth.
- Drizzle it on greens, salad or anything else that sounds delicious.
Carrot-Ginger Dressing Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per serving (recipe yields approximately 4 servings of 2 tbsp sauce). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.
| Serving Size | 2 tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 40 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 0 g |
| Carbs | ≈ 5 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 3 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 1 g |
| Fat | ≈ 2 g |
Carrot-Ginger Dressing Variations & Tips
- Extra carrot texture: Grate the carrot instead of blending for a slaw-style bite and more crunch.
- Make it ultra creamy: Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or silken tofu to create a thicker dip version.
- Kick up the heat: Add ¼ teaspoon chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Switch up the aminos: Use tamari or reduced-sodium soy sauce instead of coconut aminos if you’re not gluten-free.
- Herb uplift: Stir in a tablespoon of chopped chives or cilantro just before serving for fresh herbal lift.
- Lighten it up: Use half the sesame oil and replace with a neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed) for a lighter version.
- Make ahead: Store the dressing in an airtight jar in the fridge—shake well before use as natural separation may occur.
Best Carrot-Ginger Dressing Pairings
- Green-leaf salad: Drizzle over mixed baby greens, shredded cabbage and carrots for a crunchy, vibrant side.
- Asian-style slaw: Use it as the dressing for shredded napa cabbage, edamame and radish—top with toasted sesame seeds.
- Veggie dip: Offer as a dip for raw snap peas, cucumber spears and red pepper strips for easy snacking.
- Grilled protein: Brush onto grilled salmon or tofu just before finishing, then serve with the dressing on the side.
When to Make Carrot-Ginger Dressing
- Weeknight dinner upgrade: Make a quick salad with this dressing to elevate a simple protein + veggie plate.
- Potluck or picnic: Toss the dressing with coleslaw right before serving to keep veggies crisp and fresh.
- Light lunch pack: Pack the dressing separately and combine with chopped greens or quinoa at lunch to avoid soggy leaves.
- Entertaining: Serve as part of an appetizer board: crudité army + this dressing + toasted sesame seeds = impressive and simple.
- Pre- & post-workout snack: Blend this dressing into shredded carrot & shredded chicken over spinach for a protein-rich bowl with a flavour punch.
Video credits
Produced and Directed by: Liza Glucoft
Director of Photography: Naeem Munaf
Editor: Stephanie Provence