Miso Tahini Manuka Dressing
A creamy, umami-packed dressing sweetened with Manuka honey — perfect for salads, grain bowls and roasted veg
A trending miso-tahini dressing elevated with New Zealand Manuka honey for a glossy, complex sweetness. Quick to whisk together, it doubles as a dip or glaze and pairs especially well with roasted carrots, kale salads and Buddha bowls.
Timing
Cook Time: PT5M
Prep Time: PT10M
Rest Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Active Time: PT15M
Ingredients
3
tbsp
Manuka honey
(Notes: use a good-quality MGO for depth of flavour (see manuka section))
2
tbsp
White miso paste
(Notes: smooth)
1.5
tbsp
Tahini
(Notes: stirred well before measuring)
2
tbsp
Rice vinegar
1
tbsp
Tamari
(Notes: or soy sauce; use gluten-free tamari if needed)
1
tbsp
Lemon juice
(Notes: freshly squeezed)
1
tsp
Fresh ginger
(Notes: finely grated)
1
Garlic
(Notes: 1 small clove, minced)
1
tbsp
Sesame oil
(Notes: toasted sesame oil for flavour)
2-3
tbsp
Hot water
(Notes: to loosen to desired consistency)
1
tbsp
Toasted sesame seeds
(Notes: toast briefly for garnish)
Pinch
Salt
(Notes: adjust to taste)
To taste
Black pepper
Instructions
Step 1
Toast the sesame seeds: place a small dry frying pan over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Stir constantly until fragrant and lightly golden.
Tip: Watch closely — sesame seeds burn quickly. They’ll keep the toasted aroma even after cooling.
Timing: PT2M
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine the white miso, tahini, Manuka honey, rice vinegar, tamari, lemon juice, grated ginger, minced garlic and sesame oil. Whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy.
Tip: Warm the honey slightly (set jar in warm water) if it’s very thick so it blends more easily.
Timing: PT5M
Step 3
Adjust texture by whisking in hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing pours but still coats a spoon.
Tip: If the dressing splits, whisk in another ½ tsp tahini to re-emulsify.
Timing: PT1M
Step 4
Season with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. Stir through half the toasted sesame seeds, then cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to let the flavours meld.
Tip: Resting mellows the miso and allows the Manuka honey’s floral notes to emerge.
Timing: PT10M
Step 5
Serve: drizzle over a kale and roast carrot salad, toss through grain bowls, spoon over roasted cauliflower, or use as a dip for crudités. Sprinkle remaining toasted sesame seeds to serve.
Tip: Gives well as a glaze: brush onto roasted veg in the final 3–5 minutes of cooking for a sticky finish.
Timing: PT0S