Manuka Honey Miso Citrus Dressing
A creamy, umami-rich dressing sweetened with NZ Manuka honey — perfect for salads, grain bowls and roasted veg
A vibrant miso-tahini dressing balanced with lemon and Manuka honey. Easy to whisk together, it adds a modern NZ twist to salads, avocado toast and roasted vegetables. Letting it rest deepens the floral honey and miso flavours.
Timing
Cook Time: PT0M
Prep Time: PT10M
Rest Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Active Time: PT10M
Ingredients
2
tbsp
white miso paste
(Notes: light miso for a milder flavour)
1 1/2
tbsp
Manuka honey
(Notes: UMF 10+ recommended — floral and syrupy)
2
tbsp
tahini
(Notes: stirred well before measuring)
3
tbsp
fresh lemon juice
(Notes: about 1 lemon; can substitute lime)
1
tbsp
rice vinegar
(Notes: or apple cider vinegar)
3
tbsp
extra virgin olive oil
(Notes: cold-pressed for best flavour)
1
tsp
soy sauce (or tamari)
(Notes: adds umami and seasoning)
1
clove
garlic
(Notes: finely minced or grated)
2-3
tbsp
warm water
(Notes: to thin to desired consistency)
to taste
sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
(Notes: adjust after resting)
Instructions
Step 1
In a medium bowl combine white miso paste, Manuka honey and tahini. Whisk briskly until smooth and free of lumps.
Tip: If your tahini has separated, stir it first so it blends smoothly with the miso.
Timing: PT2M
Step 2
Add lemon juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce and the minced garlic. Whisk again to integrate the acid and salt into the base.
Tip: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing — taste and add more if you prefer extra zing.
Timing: PT1M
Step 3
Slowly stream in the olive oil while continuing to whisk to create an emulsion. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.
Tip: Warm water helps the miso and tahini loosen for a silkier texture.
Timing: PT2M
Step 4
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust balance — a little extra Manuka honey if you want sweeter, or more lemon for tang.
Tip: Because miso and soy add saltiness, season sparingly and recheck after the dressing has rested.
Timing: PT1M
Step 5
Transfer to a jar, chill in the fridge and let rest for at least 15 minutes to allow flavours to meld. Shake or whisk before serving.
Tip: This dressing pairs especially well with mixed leaves, roasted kumara, shredded cabbage slaw or as a finishing drizzle for grilled salmon.
Timing: PT15M