Miso Manuka Tahini Dressing with Lemon & Sesame
A glossy, umami-rich dressing using New Zealand manuka honey for bright, balanced flavour
A versatile dressing that combines manuka honey, white miso and tahini for a creamy umami kick. Perfect for leafy salads, roasted veg, grain bowls or as a drizzle for grilled fish. Quick to make and keeps well refrigerated.
Timing
Cook Time: PT0M
Prep Time: PT10M
Rest Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT15M
Active Time: PT7M
Ingredients
2
tbsp
manuka honey
(Notes: use UMF 10–15 for balanced flavour; warm slightly if very thick)
2
tbsp
white miso paste
(Notes: creates umami depth without overpowering sweetness)
3
tbsp
tahini
(Notes: stir before measuring if oil separated)
2
tbsp
fresh lemon juice
(Notes: about 1 lemon)
1
tbsp
light soy sauce or tamari
(Notes: use tamari for gluten-free)
1
tsp
toasted sesame oil
(Notes: for nutty aroma)
1
clove
garlic
(Notes: finely grated)
40
ml
warm water
(Notes: adjust to reach desired consistency)
1
tsp
rice vinegar
(Notes: adds brightness; optional)
sesame seeds
(Notes: toasted, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1
Warm the manuka honey slightly so it pours easily (place the jar in a bowl of warm water for 1–2 minutes).
Tip: Warming helps it emulsify with tahini; avoid overheating to preserve enzymes.
Timing: PT2M
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the warmed manuka honey, white miso paste and tahini until smooth and homogenous.
Tip: Use a small whisk or fork and scrape the bowl sides to fully combine the miso and tahini.
Timing: PT2M
Step 3
Add the lemon juice, soy sauce (or tamari), grated garlic, toasted sesame oil and rice vinegar. Whisk to incorporate.
Tip: Taste at this stage and adjust acidity with more lemon or sweetness with a little extra manuka honey.
Timing: PT2M
Step 4
Slowly drizzle in the warm water while whisking to loosen the dressing to your preferred consistency. For a thinner pourable dressing add more water 1 tsp at a time.
Tip: If the dressing separates later, re-whisk or blitz briefly with a stick blender to re-emulsify.
Timing: PT1M
Step 5
Let the dressing rest for 5 minutes to allow flavours to meld and miso to hydrate, then whisk again before serving.
Tip: Resting mellows sharp edges and helps the manuka honey integrate fully.
Timing: PT5M
Step 6
Serve drizzled over mixed leaves, roasted vegetables, grain bowls or use as a dip. Store refrigerated in an airtight jar for up to 7 days; bring to room temperature and re-whisk before using.
Tip: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and a little lemon zest when serving for extra lift.