Carrot Miso Ginger Dressing

About This Recipe

This Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing recipe is a vibrant, nutrient-packed addition to any meal. It starts with the natural sweetness and eye-catching color of carrots, which are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health and boosts the immune system. Fresh ginger delivers its signature spicy punch, bringing with it anti-inflammatory properties and aiding digestion. The richness of white miso adds an umami depth while contributing probiotics. Garlic, another nutritional powerhouse, enhances the dressing with both flavor and heart-healthy benefits, while rice vinegar adds a gentle acidity that lifts the overall taste without overpowering it. A touch of honey or maple syrup balances out the flavors with a hint of sweetness, and the optional addition of spices like turmeric or sumac can further enrich the dressing, giving it complexity and warmth.

Vegetables in Dressings: A Creative, Nutrient-Rich Approach

This Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing is a prime example of how to utilize vegetables in dressings and sauces, offering a unique way to add more vegetables to your diet. By blending vegetables into dressings, you’re not just adding flavor—you’re packing your meals with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, often in ways that feel lighter and fresher than using oils or creams. Here are a few reasons why vegetables work so well in dressings:

• Nutrient Density: Vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, avocados, and even beets can bring a variety of nutrients into your dressings. Carrots in this dressing provide beta-carotene, fiber, and a natural sweetness that balances the tangy flavors.
• Reduced Oils: Traditional dressings often rely heavily on oils for texture and flavor, but using vegetables helps cut down on oil content while still providing creaminess and body. In this recipe, carrots and miso create a smooth texture, eliminating the need for added oils while still delivering a rich, satisfying mouthfeel.
• Flavor Depth: Vegetables contribute complex flavors that can be heightened with spices, herbs, and acidity. This dressing uses ginger, garlic, and miso to enhance the natural sweetness of carrots, creating a well-rounded, dynamic sauce that can be used across a variety of dishes.
• Versatility: A vegetable-based dressing like this is incredibly versatile—use it not only on salads but also as a marinade for proteins, a dip for raw or roasted vegetables, or a drizzle over grain bowls and roasted vegetables. The incorporation of vegetables into your dressings makes it easy to up your intake of plant-based nutrients without much effort.

What Vegetables Make this dressing so delicious?

• Carrots: High in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, carrots are essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin health, and immune function. In this dressing, carrots serve not only as a natural sweetener but also contribute to the vibrant color and creamy texture, replacing the need for excessive oils or processed additives. Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and supporting overall well-being. By using carrots as the base, this dressing elevates the nutritional content of any dish it’s paired with.
• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, fresh ginger can help alleviate nausea, soothe digestive discomfort, and reduce inflammation in the body. Its zesty flavor adds a dynamic punch to the dressing, making it more than just a basic salad topping. Ginger is a powerful addition to any recipe, and incorporating it into dressings allows you to reap its health benefits in a more accessible, everyday format.

By blending vegetables directly into dressings and sauces, you’re making every meal more nutrient-dense without sacrificing flavor. This Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing shows how simple ingredients can transform into a powerhouse of nutrition and taste, all while using vegetables in creative and flavorful ways.

How to prepare your carrot miso ginger dressing

Prep time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients

• 2 medium carrots (about ¾ cup)
• 1-2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2-3 tbsp white miso (low sodium preferred)
• 3 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• ½ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup avocado or olive oil
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted
• 2-3 tbsp water, as needed for blending
  Optional: chopped green onion, orange zest, ground turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, sumac

Tools Needed

• High-speed blender or bowl to blend
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparation 1: Chunky Dressing

1. Grate the carrots, ginger, and garlic.
2. Mix ingredients: Place the grated ingredients into a mason jar. Add the white miso, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame seeds, and optional ingredients like orange zest.
3. Shake vigorously: Secure the lid on the mason jar and shake until all the ingredients are well combined. This method creates a chunkier texture for the dressing.
4. Taste and adjust: Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sweetener if needed.

Preparation 2: Smooth Dressing

1. Blend ingredients: Add all ingredients (carrots, ginger, white miso, toasted sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame seeds, and optional ingredients) into a high-speed blender.
2. Blend until smooth: Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
3. Taste and adjust: Adjust the flavor by adding more salt, pepper, or sweetener as needed.

For both methods, transfer the dressing to a storage container and refrigerate for up to one week. This dressing can be enjoyed as a versatile addition to salads, marinades, and more!

Chef’s Notes

• Tanginess Alert: This dressing has a bright, tangy flavor profile due to the rice vinegar and minimal oil content. If you love a zesty dressing, this will be a hit!
• Balancing Flavors: If the dressing feels too acidic, you can mellow it out by adding ¼ cup of avocado oil or another neutral oil. This will smooth out the tanginess and create a richer, more balanced texture.
• Versatile Uses:
  • Salad Dressing: Ideal for brightening up green salads, grain bowls, or cold pasta salads.
  • Marinade: Use as a marinade for proteins like chicken, tofu, or fish.
  • Drizzle: Add a burst of flavor to roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower.
  • Dip: Serve as a dip for fresh veggies or healthy chips.
• Adjust to Taste: This recipe is easily adaptable. Add more ginger for a spicier kick, or increase the honey or maple syrup for a sweeter flavor. You can also experiment with spices like turmeric, cinnamon, or sumac for extra depth.

Carrot Miso Ginger Dressing

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1.25 cup

This Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing is the perfect way to add vibrant flavor and nutrition to a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer a chunky or smooth texture, the combination of carrots, ginger, and miso will leave your taste buds delighted. Whip up a batch and enjoy it throughout the week as a versatile dressing or marinade!

Ingredients

2 medium carrots (about ¾ cup)

1-2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

2-3 tbsp white miso (low sodium preferred)

3 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, grated

½ cup unseasoned rice vinegar

1/4 cup avocado or olive oil

1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

2 tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted

2-3 tbsp water, as needed for blending
Optional: chopped green onion, orange zest, ground turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, sumac

Instructions

Preparation for a Smooth Dressing

Blend ingredients: Add all ingredients (carrots, ginger, white miso, toasted sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame seeds, and optional ingredients) into a high-speed blender.

Blend until smooth: Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.

Taste and adjust: Adjust the flavor by adding more salt, pepper, or sweetener as needed.

Preparation for a Chunky Dressing

Grate the carrots, ginger, and garlic.

Mix ingredients: Place the grated ingredients into a mason jar. Add the white miso, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame seeds, and optional ingredients like orange zest.

Shake vigorously: Secure the lid on the mason jar and shake until all the ingredients are well combined. This method creates a chunkier texture for the dressing.

Taste and adjust: Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sweetener if needed.

Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 1 ounce (2-3 tbsp)

Calories Per Serving: 61 kcal

Total Fat	6 g
Saturated Fat	0.7 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	82.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate	2 g
Dietary Fiber	.5 g
Sugars	.8 g
Protein	0.7 g

Vitamin A	5 %
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.