Manuka Miso & Sherry Dressing
A tangy, umami-rich dressing with New Zealand Manuka honey — perfect for salads, grain bowls and roasted veg
A trend-forward dressing that balances the floral, complex sweetness of Manuka honey with savoury white miso and sherry vinegar. Emulsifies into a glossy dressing that clings to leaves and roasted vegetables — great for contemporary salads and social-media-friendly grain bowls.
Timing
Cook Time: PT0M
Prep Time: PT10M
Rest Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Active Time: PT10M
Ingredients
2
tbsp
Manuka honey
(Notes: use MGO 400+ for pronounced flavour)
1
tbsp
white miso
(Notes: adds umami and body)
2
tbsp
sherry vinegar
(Notes: or apple cider vinegar if preferred)
3
tbsp
extra virgin olive oil
(Notes: room temperature; for emulsifying)
1
tsp
light soy sauce
(Notes: or tamari for gluten-free)
1
tsp
Dijon mustard
(Notes: helps emulsify and adds brightness)
1
tsp
sesame oil
(Notes: toasted; optional for a nutty note)
1-2
tbsp
cold water
(Notes: to loosen dressing to desired consistency)
to taste
sea salt & cracked black pepper
(Notes: season at the end)
1
tbsp
toasted sesame seeds
(Notes: optional garnish)
Instructions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the white miso, Manuka honey, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard and soy sauce until smooth.
Tip: Warm the honey slightly if very thick so it blends easily with the miso.
Step 2
While whisking continuously, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil to create an emulsion; finish with the sesame oil.
Tip: Pour the oil slowly to help the dressing emulsify and become glossy.
Step 3
If the dressing is too thick, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons cold water until you reach the desired consistency. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
Tip: Taste for balance — add a little more vinegar for brightness or a touch more Manuka honey to soften acidity.
Step 4
Transfer the dressing to a small jar, seal and chill for at least 15 minutes to allow flavours to meld.
Tip: Resting improves the integration of sweet, salty and acidic notes and gives a rounder flavour.
Timing: PT15M
Step 5
Shake or whisk again before serving. Drizzle over mixed leafy salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls or use as a dressing for quick slaws. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Tip: Works especially well with roasted pumpkin, kale Caesar-style salads or a warm buckwheat bowl — trendy for NZ lunch menus.