Lemon Sesame Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

A vibrant lemon sesame dressing with toasted sesame seeds and soy notes, perfect for salads and steamed vegetables, adding a tangy, nutty flavor to any dish.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed
  • 1/4 c. vegetable oil
  • 1/3 c. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stir in the cooled toasted sesame seed.
  3. Pour over steamed vegetables or salads.
  4. Refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a nuttier flavor, consider adding a touch more toasted sesame seeds or incorporating a bit of tahini for creaminess. If you don't have vegetable oil, grapeseed or sunflower oil works well as substitutes. You can also use fresh lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different citrus profile. This dressing is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Sesame Dressing pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, enhancing their flavor. It is also a fantastic addition to salads, such as a Green Bean-Zucchini Salad or a Warm Beet Salad. Drizzle it over grilled meats or use it as a marinade for a fresh twist on Mediterranean recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will meld and improve over time. Shake well before using, as the sesame seeds may settle at the bottom. This dressing is best served cold, so it’s perfect for drizzling over chilled salads or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Sesame Dressing contains roughly 88 calories, with 4g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1492mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).

88 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 6.9g 9% DV
Carbs 4.6g 2% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1491.9mg 65% DV
Potassium 183.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 12.4mg 14% DV
Calcium 21.8mg 2% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Soy Sesame

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing in advance?

Absolutely! This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing it to sit for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors. Just be sure to give it a good shake or whisk before serving to recombine the ingredients.

Is this dressing suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this Lemon Sesame Dressing is entirely vegan, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes. It’s packed with flavor and adds a delicious zing to salads and vegetables without any animal products.

What are some good pairings for this dressing?

This dressing pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it over roasted asparagus or mixed into grain salads like a Pea And Rice Salad for an added zest. It’s also excellent drizzled over grilled chicken or fish, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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