Salad dressings are so simple to make from scratch, we don't buy bottled versions anymore. But there are some nights when even the act of measuring out vinegar and oil just seems like too much. That's when we pull out the tub of miso and whatever fresh citrus is on hand, to mix up a batch of the quickest, easiest, most foolproof dressing we know.
Yes, regular vinaigrette is also pretty quick, easy and foolproof, but making it usually involves measuring to get the right proportion of acid to oil, as well adjusting the seasoning to taste. Miso-citrus dressing, on the other hand, involves putting a dab of miso paste in a bowl, adding a squeeze of fresh citrus juice and stirring. The balance of flavors is almost always perfect. Done.
Any combination of miso paste and citrus works. White miso paste with orange juice is sweet and mild, while the mixture of red miso and lime is powerful and tart. Yellow miso and lemon juice is a particular favorite, versatile enough to go with nearly any type of salad.
This is the sort of thing that barely needs a recipe, but here is a basic template:
Easy Miso-Citrus Dressing
2 teaspoons miso paste
Juice of one lime or lemon, or half an orange
Whisk together miso paste and citrus juice in a small bowl. Taste and add more miso or juice as needed.
Do you have any last-minute salad dressing recommendations?
Related: What's the Difference? White, Yellow, and Red Miso
(Images: Faith Durand; Flickr member freshandfoodie licensed under Creative Commons)
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Like the miso-citrus idea. Cracking up at the characterization of dumping some vinegar into some oil and sprinking in some salt as being somehow too labor intensive.
I always save my finished mustard bottles (the ones with mustard on the sides that will never come out), dump in about the same quantity of honey, then add equal quantities of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Dash of salt and pepper and shake a lot. Done. And in a bottle too.
what funny timing. just in the last month or so i've been obsessed with almost equal parts miso and mayonnaise with a splash of rice wine vinegar or lemon juice. i've eaten it almost every day on salad or roasted vegetables. i can't get enough of it!
I've never tried miso, but will definitely look into it. It may seem odd at first blush to be too lazy to make a simple vinaigrette, but I totally understand where you're coming from. SometimeS I skip salad altogether because I can't be bothered. And some nights, no matter how hard I try, it just doesn't come out right. And sometimes I want something different, and can't be bothered to make something more complex. So thanks for the tip.
Just reading before the jump made my mouth water. Not exactly last minute, but I mix tahini, non-fat yogurt, cumin and dill for a great creamy, healthy dressing. It also works well as a dip.
" even the act of measuring out vinegar and oil just seems like too much"
Really? Let's get real here: your recipe requires measuring too.
@cmcinnyc, @HelsBells: Maybe I'm just a perfectionist when it comes to vinaigrettes, but I can't just eye the correct proportion of acids and oils. And if it's off (too acidic, not salty enough), I have to adjust it until it's right.
With the miso and citrus juice, I don't do any measuring (@HelsBells, I only measured in order to accurately give the proportions to others here) and never have to adjust. I'm not saying it's going to save you 30 minutes in the kitchen, but it's definitely the easier choice. And sometimes easy and quick is what you're looking for!
no no no no you published my "secret sauce"!!!!!
I've got a delicious sesame goddess dressing, you can check it out here:
http://www.myrecessionkitchen.com/Site/My_Kitchen/Entries/2010/3/4_Tahini_Goddess_Dressing.html
I'll have to try this one, not the least because it's not got the oil calories...but I too have to laugh at the idea that this is easier than oil & vinegar dressing!
I'm excited to try this! Having a variety of super-quick dressing recipes is so helpful for keeping me interested in salad, and I'm thinking this will be a great new option. I've never cooked with miso, but have meaning to buy some and give it a try. This'll be a great introduction! Thanks!
Add some tahini too!
I was very excited to try this, because I love miso and lemon, but it was too strong for me. Is it supposed to be really intense? I'm going to try again adding tahini, or maybe some olive oil. I'm so lame with salad dressing.