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Peanut Salad Dressing: The Ultimate Guide to Making It at Home


  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x

Description

Creamy, tangy, and flavorful peanut dressing perfect for salads, noodles, spring rolls, and more! Easy to make and customizable to your spice and sweetness preferences.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 24 tablespoons water (to thin)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  2. Thin the Dressing: Add 2 tablespoons of water and whisk until smooth. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  3. Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more rice vinegar or lime juice for tang, soy sauce for saltiness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
  4. Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in cilantro and/or chopped peanuts, if using.

Notes

  • Peanut Butter Choice: Natural peanut butter is recommended for richer flavor. Adjust honey based on the sweetness of your peanut butter.
  • Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preference. Cayenne pepper can be used for more intense heat.
  • Sweetness: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar can be used in place of honey.
  • Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for peanut butter.
  • Make Ahead: Can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Whisk before using.
  • Add Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime or orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Use Different Oils: Experiment with other oils like avocado oil or olive oil.
  • Make it Creamier: Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for an even creamier dressing.
  • Serving Suggestions: Use on salads, noodle bowls, spring rolls, lettuce wraps, grilled meats, vegetable dip, sandwiches, and wraps.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes