Japanese Salad Dressing (The Most Amazing Recipe Ever!)

I used to frequent a Japanese restaurant in my hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut, named Mako of Japan. Although I loved their meals the highlight for me was always the tiny salad they served with this amazing Japanese salad dressing. They would sell me the dressing by the quart and I could eat almost any vegetable if this dressing was on it.

I moved to California and then really missed this dressing. So one day while I was visiting my hometown, I went into the restaurant and asked if they could share the recipe. I was firmly told “no, it’s a family secret.” I let a few days pass and went back to the restaurant determined to find out what was in the dressing.

I was able to create this Japanese salad dressing.

Then, the next time I went into the Mako of Japan restaurant I asked what was in the dressing and let the owner know it was because I had some food sensitivities (which was true). The owner went down the list of ingredients and I asked her about a few of them, like soy oil (because I do have a sensitivity to soy). In my mind, I was already going to change some ingredients.

After she told me everything that was in the dressing, I thanked her, picked up a quart to-go, and rushed out to my car. I ripped out a piece of paper and wrote down everything quickly so I wouldn’t forget. Then I did an internet search for “traditional Japanese dressing” and found a few similar matches because I had no idea of the amounts for each ingredient. After a few trials and a quality upgrade with many ingredients, I got it right – at least according to my taste buds. Yay!

There are a few key ingredients that power your immune system.

Carrots

This ingredient was a total surprise. I had no idea carrots were a big part of this recipe, but now I clearly see what gives this dressing the bright orange color.

• Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, an orange pigment, that the body uses to make Vitamin A. This vitamin supports healthy eyesight and a robust immune system.
• Studies show that just a half cup of carrots per day is protective against heart disease. This small amount packs a lot of nutrition.
• The fiber in carrots helps with digestion and bowel regularity.
• Carrots are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that help with bone health, immunity.
• In addition to the beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene, carrots have a high amount of silicon and biotin to promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the healthiest spices on the planet and contains health-promoting nutrients and substances. I usually use extra in this recipe.

• Studies show that ginger possesses multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardiovascular protective, respiratory protective, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antinausea, and antiemetic activities. Wow. Now that’s powerful!
• Ginger helps relax and soothe the intestinal tract and relieve nausea, especially morning sickness.
• The active substance, gingerol, can help fight infections, like colds and flu, and support immune health.
• Several studies show ginger to be protective against age-related decline in brain function.
• The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger can help reduce muscle soreness and pain that result from exercise or health conditions such as menstrual pain and arthritis.
• Research with type 2 diabetics shows that ginger may drastically lower blood sugar and improve heart disease risk factors, such as lowering cholesterol.
• The pungent constituent of ginger, 6-shogaol, provides an anti-cough effect and current research shows that it can kill cancer stem cells, which are at the root of cancer malignancy.¹ This substance may also prevent reoccurrences of breast cancer.²

Onions

Onions are packed with immune-boosting nutrients including selenium, zinc, sulfur-compounds and the powerful anti-histamine flavonoid called quercetin. I use sweet onions for this recipe, but you can use any type you have on hand.

• Onions are high in polyphenols, substances that help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
• Onions have a sulfur-containing compound called Onionin A (named after the onion) which is a unique anti-inflammatory molecule. Onionin A inhibits overactivity in the immune system.
• It is worth remembering that onions are a good source of vitamin C and the mineral manganese and provide excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.
• Several servings of onions each week offer potential protection from cancer and heart disease.

This Japanese salad dressing may become your favorite sauce.

I use this Japanese salad dressing not only for salads, but for a sauce to dip cucumbers, celery, and jicama. I once ate a whole bag of spinach with this dressing. Use it also for a dressing for fish or chicken. Now I share this with you. It’s going to one of your favorites!

If you like this immune-boosting recipe, try my Shitake Mushroom Soup.

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REFERENCES

1.  Ray A, Vasudevan S, Sengupta S. 6-Shogaol Inhibits Breast Cancer Cells and Stem Cell-Like Spheroids by Modulation of Notch Signaling Pathway and Induction of Autophagic Cell Death. PloS one. 2015;10(9):e0137614.

2.  Wu CH, Hong BH, Ho CT, Yen GC. Targeting cancer stem cells in breast cancer: potential anticancer properties of 6-shogaol and pterostilbene. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2015;63(9):2432-2441.