If you’re craving a vibrant and refreshing side that’s bursting with umami and a hint of sweetness, this Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect balance of crisp blanched spinach and a rich, nutty sesame sauce that clings beautifully to every leaf. Not only is it quick to whip up, but it also captures the essence of traditional Japanese flavors in a simple, elegant dish that complements a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled fish or your favorite rice bowl, this salad brings a delightful freshness and texture that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find yet packed with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the bright, tender spinach to the toasted sesame seeds that give the dressing its distinctive nuttiness and depth.
- 10 ounces fresh spinach: Choose vibrant, tender spinach leaves for the best texture and color in your salad.
- 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds, toasted: Toasting enhances their nutty aroma and deepens the flavor, which is key to the dressing’s richness.
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: The savory backbone that adds umami without overpowering the salad.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the saltiness and sharpness with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a subtle tang that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A little goes a long way to provide that unmistakable toasted sesame flavor.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Adds a soft natural sweetness to round out the dressing perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps adjust the dressing to a creamy consistency that coats the spinach beautifully.
How to Make Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh spinach and let it blanch for just 30 to 40 seconds until it’s perfectly wilted but still bright green. Immediately transfer the spinach into an ice bath to halt the cooking process—this step locks in the vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. Once cooled, drain well and squeeze out excess water. Cut the spinach into bite-sized lengths and place it in a bowl ready for dressing.
Step 2: Grind the Sesame Seeds
Use a mortar and pestle or a small food processor to grind the toasted white sesame seeds. You want them mostly smooth, with a slightly coarse texture that adds a pleasant bite. Grinding the sesame seeds by hand, if you have the time, lends a more traditional texture and a soulful touch to the salad.
Step 3: Make the Sesame Dressing
Combine the ground sesame seeds with low sodium soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey if you’re using it, and water. Mix everything until a creamy, cohesive dressing forms. This step is where all the flavors harmonize, so take your time to get a smooth, well-balanced sauce.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Pour the luscious sesame dressing over the prepared spinach and gently toss until every leaf is evenly coated. This simple step ensures maximum flavor in each bite. You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature, whichever you prefer—it’s delicious either way!
How to Serve Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the salad with a sprinkle of additional toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch and visual appeal. Thinly sliced scallions or a few slivers of red chili can also add a pop of color and a mild kick if you’re feeling adventurous. These touches elevate the humble salad into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish, such as salmon or mackerel, where the clean flavors of the spinach and sesame dressing complement the smoky richness. It’s also a fantastic side for rice bowls or noodle dishes, providing fresh texture and a nutty flavor contrast that brightens the entire meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve the salad in individual small bowls or cups for an elegant starter at a dinner party. You can also layer it over a bed of sushi rice for a quick, healthy lunch bowl or add tofu cubes for a wholesome vegetarian meal. The versatility of this Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe means you can tailor it to any occasion with effortless style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to keep the spinach separate from the dressing if possible and combine just before serving to preserve the fresh texture.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because the spinach becomes watery and mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain its bright flavors and crispness.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended for this salad since it’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature. Heat will wilt the spinach further and degrade the delicate balance of the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use baby spinach for this recipe?
Absolutely! Baby spinach works wonderfully and has a tender texture that blends beautifully with the sesame dressing. Just be careful not to over-blanch it—a quick dip in boiling water is all you need.
Is honey necessary in the dressing?
The honey is optional and adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the dressing’s flavor. If you prefer a less sweet dressing or want to keep it vegan, feel free to skip it or substitute with maple syrup.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the spinach, as ingredients may settle.
What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
While spinach is traditional, tender greens like baby kale or Swiss chard can work well too. Just adjust the blanching time to avoid overcooking and keep the greens vibrant.
How do I make the sesame seeds grind if I don’t have a mortar and pestle?
A small food processor or even a clean coffee grinder can do the job nicely. Just pulse in short bursts to avoid turning the seeds into a paste unless that’s the texture you want in your dressing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and delightful about this Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe. It offers a quick, nutritious dish that feels both light and satisfying, perfect as a side or a simple snack. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself returning to this easy salad time and again—its fresh, nutty flavor and gentle sweetness make it a standout your whole family will love. Give it a try today and bring a little taste of Japan to your kitchen!
Print
Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and traditional Japanese spinach salad dressed with a creamy, toasted sesame seed dressing. This simple yet flavorful side dish features blanched spinach tossed in a savory-sweet goma-ae dressing made from ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect served chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled fish, rice bowls, or noodle dishes.
Ingredients
Salad
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
Sesame Dressing
- 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Blanch the Spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 30 to 40 seconds until just wilted. Immediately transfer the spinach to an ice bath to stop the cooking, then drain well and squeeze out excess water.
- Prepare the Spinach: Cut the blanched spinach into bite-sized lengths and place them in a bowl, ready to be dressed.
- Grind the Sesame Seeds: Using a mortar and pestle or a small food processor, grind the toasted white sesame seeds until mostly smooth, releasing their nutty aroma and flavor.
- Make the Dressing: Add the low sodium soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (if using), and water to the ground sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly until a creamy and smooth sesame dressing forms.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the spinach and gently toss until the spinach is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the Japanese spinach salad chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish to complement your meal.
Notes
- For authentic texture and flavor, grind the sesame seeds by hand using a mortar and pestle rather than fully pureeing them.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, rice bowls, or noodle dishes.
