Shop the Shelves: Sensational Salad Dressings

Browsing the aisles of a Japanese grocery store for the first time can bring you into a world of wonder. With eye-catching packaging holding an array of mysterious products, it’s easy to get swept up in the simple thrill of grocery shopping. One of the most unexpectedly exciting aisles to wander down is the salad dressing aisle. While global favorites like Caesar, Italian, and Thousand Island still pop up on the shelves, Japanese salad dressings offer a wide variety of flavors and ingredients to shake up your salad game. 

Sesame

Said to be the number one salad dressing in Asia, this creamy and nutty dressing is downright addictive! The base of ground roasted sesame seeds and mayo makes for a luxurious mouthfeel, while rice vinegar and soy sauce add a balancing pop of acidity. This dressing is perfect on green salads but also shines in cold pasta dishes or as a vegetable dipping sauce. It is also great as a dipping sauce for meat, especially shabu shabu!

Yuzu

Yuzu is a popular citrus fruit in Japan that tastes like a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. With its sweet tanginess lending a pop of brightness to everything from drinks and teas to desserts, yuzu has also become a star in the savory world. Soy sauce-based dressings, like Choko Shoyu’s Yuzu Citrus Salad Dressing, pair the fragrant yuzu with umami-rich soy sauce and sesame seeds to create a dressing that complements everything from cold tofu to cooked vegetables and Caprese salads.

French

While most salad specialists are familiar with French dressing, the Japanese take on French dressing might baffle some. Instead of the recognizable red-orange color that we are accustomed to in the United States, Japanese French dressing is a bright white color! Without the addition of paprika or tomato, this dressing is pale, but still provides a rich creaminess complemented by the acidic tang of vinegar. This dressing is excellent on wedge salads, broccoli, and spinach. It also serves as a spectacular sauce for a meal of boiled potatoes and sausages, according to one maker. 

Wafu 

Wafu means “Japanese-style” and this dressing delivers an umami-packed punch of flavor that combines some of the best Japanese ingredients. While this vinaigrette is lighter than many of its mayo-based counterparts, it is not lacking in taste. This soy sauce-based dressing always involves rice vinegar and vegetable oil; however, many variations add grated vegetables such as olives, onions, and bell peppers for extra flavor. Its simplicity also lends to its versatility. In addition to salads, it can be used as a marinade for meat and tofu, dressing for noodles, or as an accompaniment for appetizers like dumplings or spring rolls.  

Chuka 

In Japanese cooking, “chuka” refers to a Chinese dish, such as the popular summertime dish called hiyashi chuka, Chinese-style cold noodles. This dressing is Japan’s interpretation of Chinese culinary flavors. This dressing merges the refreshing soy base of Wafu-style dressing with the creaminess of sesame dressing and adds a subtle touch of spice. Aside from salads, it is an addictive addition to noodles and pasta dishes. Try using it as a marinade for meat and tofu stir-fries for an easy hit of Chinese flavor!

Able to transform ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary, there is something sensational about salad dressings. Next time you find yourself shopping the shelves of your favorite Japanese grocery store, grab some veggies and give them a try!

About the author:

Nadine Pryor
Nadine first became interested in Japan and Japanese culture after working with an exchange program at her university. After hearing so many wonderful things from the exchange students she worked with she was longing for a chance to see Japan for herself. That opportunity came to her in the form of the JET program where she spent 5 years on a small island in the beautiful prefecture of Okinawa. While living in this very rural community of just under 1,300 people she was lucky to experience a glimpse into some of Okinawa’s unique traditions and culture. In her free time, she traveled the main island of Japan as well as eastern Asia, seeking out the most delicious foods and exciting experiences. She currently resides in the United States but hopes to return to Japan in the future.