Best Asian Sesame Dressing (Whole30 Paleo) 
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Best Asian Sesame Dressing (Whole30 Paleo) – the best tasting, from scratch Asian Sesame Dressing you’ll ever taste! Made with no added refined sugars and perfect for Whole30/Paleo plans.
I originally created this dressing for my Asian Chicken Chopped Salad because I wanted to enjoy classic Asian flavors on a round of Whole30 (no dairy, soy, sugar, grains, etc.) That salad quickly became and remains one of my most popular recipes, and I think it’s mainly because of this dressing, earning it its very own post right here!
Almost daily, I get comments from readers about their mad love for this Asian Sesame Dressing. It truly is a double-batch-worthy kind of recipe. It’s soy, dairy, and refined sugar free and the flavor is outstanding.
As I transitioned my family to a clean, whole food diet over the past year, I had to completely give up on store bought salad dressings. Even the ones labeled “natural” and “made with olive oil” have tons of yucky additives, sugar, and msg. If you’re trying to limit sugar in your diet, good luck finding a bottled dressing in the grocery store that doesn’t list sugar in its top 5 ingredients (among many other unnatural and unpronounceable things.)
Fortunately, making homemade dressing (check out this Ranch dressing) is a breeze! For this recipe, I dump it all in my Magic Bullet (or other small food processor) and give it a whir. Once you start, I promise you won’t want to go back! The taste is like night and day.
This dressing is sweetened naturally with dates and includes coconut aminos as a replacement for soy sauce to keep it Whole30 compliant. Make a batch (or two) for the Asian Chicken Chopped Salad and keep some on hand for stir fry, salads, or even as a dipping sauce.
How to Make Asian Sesame Dressing
First, soak your dates. This step can be skipped if your dates are naturally large and soft (Medjool dates usually are.) But if they aren’t squishable between your fingers, soak the dates in some very hot water for a few minutes.
Next, add all your ingredients to a small food processor or blender. Blend away!
The dressing is ready when it’s smooth and there are no remaining chunks of dates.
Is Rice Vinegar Whole30 Compliant?
Yes, it is! The name may be misleading, but it is allowed on the plan. As with all ingredients, it’s best to check the label because there are a few versions out there that contain sugar, but the majority of brands are compliant.
Is Sesame Oil Whole30 Compliant & Can You Substitute Olive Oil for Sesame Oil?
Yep. It is listed as an approved oil in Whole30: The 30 Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom. The book does recommend that you use it sparingly in recipes like sauces and dressings. Fortunately, sesame oil is very strong and a little goes a long way! Definitely don’t skip the Sesame Oil in this Asian Dressing recipe – it adds great depth of flavor.
How to Use Asian Sesame Dressing
Add to Meal Prep Salad Mix
Use a sauce in stir fry recipes, such as this Cashew Chicken Skillet
Make these Meal Prep Mason Jar Asian Salads
More Recipes Like This:
Did you try this recipe and love it too? Please leave your rating and review below! And don’t forget to tag your photos of this recipe on Instagram!
Best Asian Sesame Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos, or soy sauce for non Paleo/Whole30
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 large pitted Medjool dates, soaked in very hot water
Instructions
- Soak dates in very hot water for 5 minutes. Remove and combine with all remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor. Process until dates are finely ground and dressing is a creamy texture.
- Store in air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
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Vegetarian
Dairy Free
26 Comments on “Best Asian Sesame Dressing (Whole30 Paleo)”
I am always confused about sesame oil, especially in Asian recipes. Is it the toasted sesame oil or just plain sesame oil?
I love your site and am so grateful that you are sharing so much with us! Thank you!
Wendy – thank you so much, I’m glad to hear you are enjoying my site! I always use the plain sesame oil for this dressing. 🙂
I prefer to use the roasted sesame oil I think it gives the dressing a better flavor
Thanks, Cheri! Great tip!
OUTSTANDING! Thanks for this recipe! We LOVE it and now always make a double or triple batch. It’s fantastic with turkey lettuce cups as well as on a chopped Asian salad. I plan to try it on zucchini zoodles with grated carrots, green onion and bean sprouts next. An absolute fav!
Thank you! I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipe!
I just made this dressing and loved it also. I substituted a spicy sesame oil for the sesame oil in the recipe and it gave the dressing a nice spicy kick.
Thank you, Nancy!
Omg this is so delicious. So glad I made a double batch.
Hey Jane – thank you, and yes, double batch is a must! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
so yummy!!! I love it.
So delicious! The search has ended for an Asian inspired dressing for my detox salad. Thank you.
Yay! Thanks, Denise!!
Very delicious! Mine turned out a little thicker than I would like. Could I add some more oil or a bit of water?
Hey Roxann – yes, absolutely, if you like a thinner dressing just add a bit of water!
Really good!
I had bought a bag of Asian chopped salad and found your Asian dressing recipe. Just happened to have everything. It is delicious!!! Thank you! R2D3 W 30
Are you kidding me?? I just made this and it is THE best dressing I’ve ever had not to mention it’s compliant which thrills me! Thank you for this game changer!
This dressing is FANTASTIC. Tasted just like Kobe steakhouse salad and I can’t stop eating
I don’t like dates. Can I sub coconut sugar or something else?
Yes, you can try adding a tablespoon of honey or pure maple syrup to add a little sweetness.:)
I love this dressing sooooo much I could eat it on cardboard😂 though it is particularly good on a bed of greens with canned tuna, avocado, shredded carrot and cilantro – yum.
Agreed! I’m so glad you love it too. Thanks for taking the time to leave a rating and review 🙂
We love this recipe. We do not grate the ginger or mince the garlic because it goes into the ninja blender. Perfect dressing on a Chinese Chicken Salad.
I was wondering if the dates are only for sweetness or texture also? I am a diabetic and wanting to make this with lower sugar. Would substituting the dates for monk fruit powder be an option ?
Thank you
Yes, that would totally work! The dates are mainly for sweetness, so you can substitute any other sweetener you like. 🙂