This creamy peanut dressing is made in just 5 minutes with pantry staples you might already have on hand. It's the perfect dressing for salads, noodle bowls, grain bowls, and fresh spring rolls. If you've ever wondered how to make peanut dressing at home, you'll love this easy recipe!
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Peanut dressing is my favorite thing about spring rolls. Dipping the fresh rolls in the nutty sauce adds so much flavor and protein. But did you know you can use that same peanut butter dressing for noodles, salads, and grain bowls?
What is peanut dressing?
Peanut dressing is a creamy sauce made primarily from peanut butter combined with other simple ingredients. It's commonly used as a dip for spring rolls or a dressing in Asian inspired salads and cold noodle dishes.
Why you'll love this peanut dressing recipe
- Ready in 5 minutes
- Naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free (if using tamari instead of soy sauce)
- Easy to customize (sweet, spicy)
- Perfect for salads, noodles, tofu, and veggies
- Stores well for meal prep
Ingredients
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Lime juice
- Rice vinegar
- Pure maple syrup
- Toasted sesame oil
- Garlic
- Water
How to make peanut dressing
- Add all the ingredients except water to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add water one teaspoon at a time, whisking until the desired consistency is reached.
Top tips
Taste and adjust
This is an easy recipe to customize to your tastes. After putting it together as written, taste the dressing and feel free to add more of any of the ingredients to boost the flavor to your liking.
Use pure maple syrup
I never recommend using sugary pancake syrup for cooking and baking. Make sure you're using pure maple syrup to make this dressing.
Best uses for peanut dressing
- Dip for spring rolls
- Dressing for a cold noodle or leafy greens (cabbage, kale, romaine) based salad
- Drizzle on top of my vegan tofu bowl or vegan tempeh power bowl
- Use as a marinade for tofu or tempeh
- Use as a dip for veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, or broccoli
- Use as a sauce in a wrap
How to store peanut dressing
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator (I like to use a little mason jar) for 5-7 days. If it becomes thick, add a little warm water and stir before using.
You can also freeze this dressing for up to 6 months. If separation occurs when thawing, simply whisk to combine.
Tips for customizing peanut dressing
- Make it spicy by adding sriracha, chile garlic sauce, chili crisp, or sambal oelek
- Make it sweeter by adding more maple syrup
- Add more garlic or lime juice to taste
- Add 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger for a ginger peanut dressing
- Swap the maple syrup for honey (not vegan)
FAQ
Healthy means something different to everyone, so I can't speak for you. Peanut butter is high in fat and calories, and soy sauce is high in sodium. However, you probably won't be consuming a large amount of this recipe, so I think it's a good high protein dressing option.
This dressing is gluten free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce. I don't find a huge taste difference between the two, so I usually use tamari.
Yes, this peanut dressing is dairy free.
Yes, this peanut dressing is vegan because it is plant based and uses no animal products.
I always choose natural peanut butter (the type that needs to be stirred), and appreciate the taste and simple ingredients. However, a more processed peanut butter that includes other oils or sweeteners would also work, it will just result in a very different flavor and texture.
If you choose to use a processed peanut butter for this recipe, feel free to adjust the other ingredients as needed to suit your taste.
More salads and dressings
- Ginger Tahini Dressing
- Creamy Cashew Dressing
- Air Fryer Gnocchi Salad
- Vegan Potluck Barley Salad
- Roast Pumpkin Salad
- Quinoa Taco Salad
- Cajun Salad
- The Best Easy Vegan Salad
- Pizza Salad
- High Protein Vegan Salad with Hummus
- Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Warm Kale and Quinoa Salad
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Peanut Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
- water, as needed
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except water to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add water a teaspoon at a time, whisking until the desired consistency is reached.
Notes
Tips for customizing peanut dressing
- Make it spicy by adding sriracha, chile garlic sauce, chili crisp, or sambal oelek
- Make it sweeter by adding more maple syrup
- Add more garlic or lime juice to taste
- Add 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger for a ginger peanut dressing
- Swap the maple syrup for honey (not vegan)
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