My "House Dressing" Is So Good, I Make It Every Single Week

head on shot of miso lime vinaigrette in a jar with a spoon over the jar
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter

I love a simple salad with a bright and flavor-packed vinaigrette. For me, this miso lime vinaigrette makes any salad taste extra special. Not only can you whip it up in just under 10 minutes, but it’s also filled with bright lime flavor, subtle hints of garlic, and a warm, spicy kick from the fresh ginger.

Miso is the star of the show here. White miso is mild in flavor compared to other types of miso, which makes it perfect for a vinaigrette base. Its subtle sweetness complements the acidity of the rice vinegar and enhances the overall vinaigrette with its umami flavor. The result is a tangy and slightly creamy vinaigrette that will have you reaching for more. One might even say it’s better than Caesar salad dressing.

Why You’ll Love It

  • So easy, so flavorful. With just a few ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, you can whip up this sweet and tangy dressing in under 10 minutes.

  • Lime juice is the secret ingredient. Freshly squeezed lime juice goes well with savory white miso and allows the warmth of the ginger to shine through, which makes for a perfectly balanced vinaigrette.

overhead shot of miso lime vinaigrette being drizzled over a green salad
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter

Key Ingredients in Miso Lime Vinaigrette

  • White miso: Serves as the umami base in this vinaigrette, adding just a touch of sweetness as well as savory notes.

  • Ginger: Adds warmth and a slight kick that balances the acidity of the rice vinegar.

  • Honey: Brings sweetness to counter the acidity while enhancing the umami flavor with its subtle fruity, floral notes.

How to Make Miso Lime Vinaigrette

  1. Combine ingredients in a bowl. Whisk rice vinegar, white miso paste, finely grated ginger, minced garlic clove, finely grated lime zest, lime juice, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper together in a medium bowl until combined.

  2. Add oil. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in extra-virgin olive oil. Whisk until combined.

  3. Enjoy. Serve with your favorite salad or greens.

Miso Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

The lime zest brightens the miso flavor.

Prep time 10 minutes

Makes 1 cup

Serves 8

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons white miso paste

  • 1/2 teaspoon peeled and finely grated ginger

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest

  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil

Instructions

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  1. Whisk 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons white miso paste, 1/2 teaspoon peeled and finely grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest, 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper together in a medium bowl until combined.

  2. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Whisk until combined.

Recipe Notes

Immersion blender: For a smoother vinaigrette, make in an immersion blender.

Make ahead: The vinaigrette can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Rewhisk before using.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Rewhisk before using.

Further Reading

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