Manuka Miso Citrus Dressing
A silky, umami-packed dressing sweetened with NZ Manuka honey — perfect for salads, grain bowls and grilled veg
Bright citrus and white miso balanced by creamy tahini and a drizzle of Manuka honey. This versatile dressing is trending for its umami depth and GIF-worthy glossy finish — great on leafy salads, roasted vegetables or as a marinade.
Timing
Cook Time: PT0M
Prep Time: PT10M
Rest Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Active Time: PT10M
Ingredients
3
tbsp
Manuka honey
(Notes: UMF 10+ recommended; room temperature so it blends smoothly)
2
tbsp
white miso paste
(Notes: adds umami and body)
2
tbsp
tahini
(Notes: choose well-stirred tahini for creamy texture)
3
tbsp
rice vinegar
(Notes: or apple cider vinegar)
2
tbsp
fresh orange juice
(Notes: preferably from 1 small orange)
1
tbsp
fresh lemon juice
2
tsp
light soy sauce
(Notes: or tamari for gluten-free)
1
tsp
toasted sesame oil
(Notes: for a nutty finish)
1
clove
garlic
(Notes: finely minced)
to taste
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
as needed
tbsp
cold water
(Notes: to thin dressing to desired consistency)
Instructions
Step 1
Place the Manuka honey, white miso and tahini in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy, scraping down the sides so the miso fully disperses.
Tip: Warm the honey slightly (a few seconds in the microwave) if it's very thick — it blends more easily.
Step 2
Add the rice vinegar, orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a creamy dressing.
Tip: Use a small whisk or an immersion blender for extra creaminess and a photo-ready sheen.
Step 3
Stir in the minced garlic, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. If the dressing is too thick, add cold water 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired pourable consistency.
Tip: Taste and adjust acidity — add a little more lemon if you want more brightness.
Step 4
Transfer the dressing to a jar, seal and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavours marry.
Tip: Resting mellows the miso saltiness and lets the Manuka honey's floral notes emerge.
Timing: PT15M
Step 5
Before serving, give the jar a good shake. Drizzle over mixed leaf salad, roasted root vegetables, grain bowls or use as a glaze for grilled chicken or salmon.
Tip: This keeps 5–7 days in the fridge; bring to room temperature and re-whisk if the honey firms up.