Ditch the plastic bottles and preservatives for a fresh, nutrient-packed homemade dressing. This zesty onion and ginger dressing is incredibly easy to make and pairs beautifully with any Japanese-inspired meal. It is the perfect zero-waste solution for a healthier kitchen—nutritious, simple, and full of natural flavour!
Why Make Your Own Dressing?
Choosing a homemade dressing over a commercial one offers several advantages for both your health and the environment.
Nutritional Purity
Store-bought dressings often contain emulsifiers, preservatives, and refined oils. This recipe uses extra virgin olive oil and fresh aromatics, ensuring you get the full nutritional value without the hidden chemicals.
Environmental Impact
By using a reusable glass jar, you eliminate single-use plastic bottles from your kitchen, contributing to a zero-waste lifestyle.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
Many vitamins found in salad greens, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, are fat-soluble. The healthy fats in olive oil are essential for your body to actually absorb these nutrients from your vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits of this Homemade Onion Dressing
Onions (Quercetin)
Onions are a rich source of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant and flavonoid. Research suggests that quercetin has anti-inflammatory properties and supports heart health by helping to manage blood pressure. (*1)
Ginger (Gingerol)
The active component in ginger, gingerol, is well-known for its ability to stimulate digestion and reduce nausea. It also has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that support the immune system. (*2)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Using apple cider vinegar adds more than just tang. Some studies indicate that vinegar can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels after meals.(*3)
Ingredients for Homemade Onion Dressing
Cooking time: 10 minutes [serve for 2]
1/2 Onion
1 Small knob of ginger
Dressing Base
2 tbsp Soy sauce
2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar (or any vinegar you have in the pantry)
2 tsp Sugar
1 pinch Salt
3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
1, Grate the aromatics
Finely grate the onion and ginger into a medium-sized bowl. Grating the onion releases its natural juices, which helps the dressing emulsify and creates a smoother texture.
2, Mix the ingredients
Add the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Whisk or stir thoroughly until the sugar and salt have dissolved and the oil has blended with the other liquids.
3, Serve and enjoy!
Drizzle your fresh dressing over steamed vegetables or your favourite leafy salad.
Tips for Usage
Steamed Vegetable Pairing: This dressing is particularly delicious over warm steamed broccoli or pumpkin. The heat from the vegetables gently mellows the sharpness of the raw onion.
References
*1, Healthline| Onion Health Benefits, Plus Tips and Recipes for Adding Them to Your Diet
*2, Healthline| 11 Possible Health Benefits of Ginger
Homemade Onion Dressing
Ingredients
Method
- Grate the aromatics Finely grate the onion and ginger into a medium-sized bowl. Grating the onion releases its natural juices, which helps the dressing emulsify and creates a smoother texture.
- Mix the ingredients Add the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Whisk or stir thoroughly until the sugar and salt have dissolved and the oil has blended with the other liquids.
- Serve and enjoy!Drizzle your fresh dressing over steamed vegetables or your favourite leafy salad.
