Do you have ponzu sauce on hand? If so, let's turn it into a delicious Ponzu Salad Dressing by adding a few extra seasonings. The subtle citrus flavor unique to ponzu pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables.
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What is Ponzu Salad Dressing?
Ponzu Salad Dressing is a type of dressing made by mixing ponzu sauce with oil and other seasonings. While ponzu sauce on its own has a strong, tangy flavor when poured directly over a salad, turning it into a dressing softens the acidity while preserving its citrus notes. Since many of the ingredients needed to make a dressing are already included in ponzu sauce, this dressing can be prepared with fewer ingredients than most other dressings.
Its refreshing flavor pairs well not only with salads made with Japanese ingredients but also with those featuring Western or other Asian ingredients. Another appealing aspect is that you can subtly change the flavor depending on the type of oil you use. It is incredibly easy to make, so feel free to give it a try.
Please note that this article and recipe are intended for those who already have ponzu sauce on hand. If you are unfamiliar with ponzu sauce or would like to learn more, please refer to my Homemade Ponzu Sauce recipe page.
Choosing the right oil
Ponzu salad dressing takes on a slightly different character depending on the type of oil used. Here are the most commonly used oils for this dressing in Japan:
- Neutral vegetable oil
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Toasted sesame oil
When using neutral vegetable oil, the bright, tangy flavor of the ponzu sauce stands out more, while with the other oils, you can enjoy a more harmonious blend of the oil's flavor with the ponzu.
My personal favorite is extra virgin olive oil. The citrus notes of ponzu pair beautifully with the rich, flavorful olive oil. That said, this is just my personal preference. I encourage you to try different oils and find your own favorite combination.
Optional flavor additions
If you'd like to add more flavor to this dressing, try incorporating any of the following ingredients:
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame seeds
Start with the basic recipe below, and feel free to experiment with these additions to adjust the flavor to your liking.
📋Step-by-step recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp ponzu sauce (a citrus-seasoned soy sauce) (For a homemade version, see the linked article.)
- 1 Tbsp neutral vegetable oil, extra virgin olive oil, or toasted sesame oil
- a pinch of salt
- a pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
🕒 Total: 1 min
Step 1
In a bowl, combine ponzu sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then mix well until emulsified.
To store
You can store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Please consider leaving a review and star rating in the comments below. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you shared it with your friends.
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Recipe card
Ponzu Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp ponzu sauce (a citrus-seasoned soy sauce) (For a homemade version, see the linked article.)
- 1 Tbsp neutral vegetable oil, extra virgin olive oil, or toasted sesame oil
- a pinch of salt
- a pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ponzu sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then mix well until emulsified.
Notes
- You can store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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