Trader Joe’s Inspired Miso Salad Dressing

Hey Friendddsss!! Today is a gloomy-ish spring day here in California, but no amount of grey skies can take away my excitement for our New Recipe Tuesday!! A few weeks ago I shared a salad dressing that I picked up from Trader Joes, and I raved about how delicious and beautiful it was. Everything from the bright flavor of ginger and shallots to the beautiful yellow-orange color seriously blew me away. It also looks like sunshine in a bottle so that helps too…! I knew the dressing was one I wanted to create in my own home.

First up, I must clarify something here. No this recipe does not justify as being labeled “Paleo” because of the Miso or soybean paste used. This recipe uses only tablespoon of soybean or miso paste, BUT if you cannot do any soy at all then unfortunately this recipe is not for you. I’m sorry if that is you, but I do hope this salad combination of flavors gives you an idea for a yummy salad you can make with your own soy-free dressing!

Soy doesn’t bother me, as well as small amounts of gluten. This dressing does use unseasoned rice vinegar to make it a traditional miso dressing, however a simple swap of ACV (apple cider vinegar) will make this dressing completely gluten free, so that’s a win in my book. And we all know I take any small win I can get… are you in?!

Check the Flavor Profile

This dressing is simple, but ROBUST. Small, but MIGHTY! Kinda like me… And that may be the real reason why it’s my latest obsession. This small amount of miso goodness is all you’ll need to take any salad from boring to memorable. I promise, lunch envy at work will be yours and if made for friends, they will be asking for your secret dressing recipe. Together we can be lunch and dinnertime heroes, it’s super simple! Here we go..!

You will need:

1 TBPS Fresh ginger, grated or diced

1 TBSP Shallots, diced

Coconut Aminos 1 TBSP

Juice from half and Orange (approx 1/8 cup)

Soybean or White Miso Paste (I could only find soybean paste in my supermarket, but you may have better luck than me! They are both soybean pastes.)

2 TBSP Toasted Sesame Oil

3 TBSP Rice Vinegar (unsalted, no sugar added)**

**ACV (apple cider vinegar may be subbed to make this gluten free)

Let’s Get Blended

Of course amazing, healthy, and super flavorful dressings surely can NOT be this easy to make can they?! Don’t blink my friends… Here’s what you do!

Simply combine all ingredients in the blender and whip until smooth. Pour into a dressing server or mason jar to be stored in the fridge when you need. Did you blink?!

Serve it up Shrimp

My favorite salad combination for this dressing is as follows: yummy shrimp (grilled is best but on busy weeknights it’s in the skillet they go!), my favorite greens such as crisp romaine lettuce and spinach, roasted sliced almonds, thinly sliced carrots, sugar snap peas, and fresh orange slices. Mandarins would also be a lovely winning combination as well. And don’t forget avocado if you haven’t had it in your day yet! Y U M M M.

As for the kids, I would have them try it out first. Mine really enjoy the flavors of ginger, but for some kids this dressing may be a bit overpowering! For this reason, I may not mix the dressing in our large family salad bowl and just have the kids add a dressing of their choice. My kids LOOOOVE shrimp, do yours? Luckily there are so many options for this meal, so you can’t go wrong!

I hope this gives you all another yummy, easy, and healthy dinner idea to rotate into your weekly meals. Below is the printable version for you! Remember to tag me or comment here if you give it a try. I’d love to hear about how it went over. Enjoy your evening and happy cooking!

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