Japanese Ginger Slaw Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing

There’s something SO addictive about a Japanese house salad. The cold shredded lettuce, the savory carrot ginger dressing, the fresh aromatic flavors. This Japanese Ginger Slaw Salad is inspired by ZZ’s Club, after one bite, I immediately knew I needed to recreate that creamy carrot ginger dressing at home.

The dressing is made with fresh carrots, ginger root, shallot, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and tamari, then tossed with super thin shredded iceberg lettuce for the perfect light, refreshing salad. It tastes similar to the classic Japanese ginger salad dressing you get at sushi restaurants, but even fresher made right at home.

The best part is that it comes together in about 10 minutes with simple ingredients and works perfectly as an appetizer, side dish, or easy lunch throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Japanese Ginger Slaw Salad

• Inspired by the delicious ZZ’s Club salad
• Tastes like a Japanese restaurant house salad
• Made with simple healthy ingredients
• Naturally vegan and dairy free
• Easy to make gluten free with tamari
• Fresh, bright, savory, and slightly sweet
• Perfect side dish for sushi, rice bowls, dumplings, or tofu

What Is Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing?

Japanese ginger salad dressing, sometimes called carrot ginger dressing, is a blended dressing commonly served over iceberg lettuce at Japanese restaurants and sushi spots.

Unlike heavier creamy dressings, this version gets its texture naturally from blended carrots. Fresh ginger root gives it warmth and brightness, while rice vinegar and tamari create that savory restaurant-style flavor.

It’s one of my favorite healthy salad dressing recipes because it tastes incredibly flavorful while still using relatively simple ingredients.

Tips for the Best Ginger Slaw Salad

• Slice the iceberg lettuce very thin for the best texture.
• Chill the dressing before serving for even better flavor.
• Start with less ginger and add more gradually.
• Don’t overdress the lettuce. A little goes a long way.
• Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest carrot ginger dressing.

How to Store Ginger Dressing

Store leftover carrot ginger dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

The dressing may naturally separate over time because of the oil, so simply shake or stir before serving.

If you have leftover fresh ginger root, wrap it tightly before refrigerating to help keep it fresh longer.

{If you like this recipe you’ll love my JAPANESE CUCUMBER SOBA SALAD and my JAPANESE SWEET POTATO MISO SOUP.}