If you're a fan of Asian-inspired cuisine and following a low-carb, keto, Atkins, gluten-free, or sugar-free diet, you'll love this collection of keto Asian salad dressing recipes. These dressings are quick, easy to make, and pack a delicious blend of nutty, sweet, and savory flavors that will brighten up any salad, and can double as a marinade for meats and seafood.
Why Choose Keto Asian Salad Dressing?
Many store-bought Asian salad dressings are loaded with sugar and carbs, often from ingredients like honey, brown sugar, or even carrots. While a small amount might not kick you out of ketosis, a salad drenched in these dressings might impact your ketone levels. These homemade keto versions allow you to control the ingredients and enjoy the flavors you love without the unnecessary carbs.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
These keto Asian salad dressings utilize a variety of flavorful and healthy ingredients:
- Coconut Aminos or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce/Tamari: These provide the umami-rich, savory base for the dressing. Coconut aminos are a great soy-free alternative.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a distinct nutty flavor, a little goes a long way.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: These oils contribute healthy fats and a smooth texture. Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and a healthy fat profile.
- Rice Vinegar: This offers a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Ginger & Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic provide a zesty kick and numerous health benefits. Ginger boasts anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while garlic may have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and anti-tumor activity.
- Sweetener (Allulose, Monk Fruit, or Swerve): A keto-friendly sweetener balances the acidity of the vinegar. Allulose dissolves well and has no aftertaste. Monk fruit is another popular choice. Swerve Confectioners can also be used.
- Optional Additions: Almond butter (or miso) adds creaminess, sesame seeds provide texture, and crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
Recipe 1: Low-Carb Sesame Ginger Dressing
This recipe makes a tangy salad dressing loaded with ginger and garlic goodness.
Prep Time: 5 minutesTotal Time: 5 minutesServings: 12Calories: 55 kcal (per 2 tablespoons)
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Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons raw ginger, peeled and minced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium, gluten-free soy sauce (may substitute tamari or coconut aminos)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (may substitute miso)
- 2 teaspoons allulose (or other keto-friendly sweetener, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:## Using a Food Processor:
- Put the ginger and garlic in a food processor. Cover and pulse a few times to mince.
- Add the soy sauce, vinegar, avocado oil, toasted sesame oil, almond butter, and allulose to the food processor. Cover and process until smooth.
- Add the sesame seeds to the food processor. Cover and pulse once to stir in the seeds.
Without Using a Food Processor:
- If you don't have a food processor, whisk the ginger, garlic and almond butter together, then slowly add the soy sauce, whisking to keep the mixture from separating.
- Gradually whisk in the avocado oil. Once the mixture is smooth, stream in the vinegar while whisking.
Serving and Storage:
- This dressing may be served immediately.
- If not serving the dressing right away, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Shake before using.
- Leftover keto Thai salad dressing can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
Recipe 2: Easy Keto Asian Salad Dressing
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and takes just 10 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients:
- Rice wine vinegar
- Coconut aminos
- Lime juice
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Salt
- Crush red pepper flakes
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Swerve Confectioners
Instructions:
- Place the rice wine vinegar, coconut aminos, lime juice, ginger, garlic, salt, and crush red pepper flakes in a blender.
- Blend to combine.
- Add sesame oil, olive oil, and sweetener.
Recipe 3: Keto Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing
This recipe is designed for a low-carb Chinese chicken salad with almonds and keto-friendly ramen noodles.
Ingredients:
- Avocado oil
- Rice wine vinegar
- Soy sauce (or tamari, coconut aminos)
- Monk fruit sweetener
- Sesame seed oil
Instructions:
- Make the dressing by combining the avocado oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, monk fruit and sesame seed oil in a mason jar.
- Shake to combine.
Recipe 4: Paleo Creamy Ginger Salad Dressing
This creamy ginger salad dressing is Paleo, Whole30, Keto, and Vegan friendly. It’s low carb and has no added guar.
Ingredients:
- Grated ginger
- Dijon mustard
- Coconut aminos
- Rice vinegar
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine grated ginger, dijon mustard, coconut aminos, and rice vinegar.
- Slowly pour-in olive oil while whisking at the same time until the dressing is well combined and creamy smooth.
- Store extra in a glass container in the fridge. Shake or stir before using.
Recipe 5: Keto Asian Cabbage Salad Dressing
This recipe is designed for a crunchy slaw made with Savoy cabbage and other colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic chili sauce
- Swerve brown sugar sweetener
Instructions:
- Mix the soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, vinegar, Swerve brown sweetener, garlic chili sauce together in a smaller mixing bowl.
Serving Suggestions
These keto Asian salad dressings are incredibly versatile:
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- Salads: Drizzle over your favorite greens, zoodles, or coleslaw. Consider adding romaine lettuce, radishes, cucumbers, peppers, and a small amount of carrots.
- Marinades: Marinate seafood (shrimp, salmon, cod) or pork for 30 minutes to 4 hours before grilling or broiling.
- Sauces: Serve as a sauce over meat or vegetables.
- Pairings: Serve alongside Low-Carb Teriyaki Salmon, Low-Carb Orange Beef, or Easy Low-Carb Sesame Chicken.
- Side Dishes: Complement your meal with Easy Low-Carb Cauliflower Fried Rice.
Tips and Considerations
- Sweetener Substitution: Adjust the amount of sweetener based on your preference and the type of sweetener used. Remember that allulose is slightly less sweet than sugar.
- Soy Sauce Alternative: If you have soy sensitivities, substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or garlic chili sauce to control the heat.
- Freshness: For the most refreshing flavor, use freshly grated ginger and minced garlic.
- Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Versatility: Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature keto Asian salad dressing.
- Make it a Meal: Add protein like tuna steak, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even canned tuna packed in oil to your salad.
- Crunch Factor: Add sliced almonds or keto-friendly ramen noodles for extra crunch.
A Note on Ingredients
When following a keto diet, it's essential to be mindful of the ingredients you use. Many common salad dressing ingredients, like honey, sugar, and certain processed oils, can be high in carbs and unhealthy fats. By making your own keto Asian salad dressing, you can ensure that you're using only the best ingredients for your health and your taste buds.
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