A Simple Yet Flavorful Spinach Salad Inspired by Japanese Cuisine

This Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing, also known as Goma-ae, is a classic side dish served in many Japanese households and restaurants. Tender blanched spinach is tossed in a fragrant, nutty sesame-soy dressing that brings out the natural sweetness of the greens. It’s quick, healthy, and full of umami flavor.

Ingredients for Japanese Spinach Salad

For the Salad:

1 bunch fresh spinach (about 8 oz)
Water and salt for boiling

Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish

For the Sesame Dressing:

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon mirin (or 1 tsp sugar + 1 tsp water)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for deeper flavor)

How to Make Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing

Step 1: Blanch the Spinach

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for 30–60 seconds until bright green. Quickly transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and squeeze out excess water. Cut into 2-inch sections.

Step 2: Make the Sesame Dressing

Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Transfer to a mortar and grind with a pestle (or use a food processor) until crushed. Stir in soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil until combined.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

In a bowl, gently toss the spinach with the sesame dressing until evenly coated. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

Packed with flavor, yet light and healthy
Naturally gluten-free (with gluten-free soy sauce)
Quick to prepare—under 10 minutes

Full of fiber, iron, and plant-based nutrients
Pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or sushi

Tasty Variations

Add shredded carrots or daikon for extra crunch

Top with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for texture
Use baby spinach for no chopping needed
Try a spicy version with a pinch of chili flakes

Make it a meal by adding tofu or edamame

Serving Ideas

Serve as a side to teriyaki chicken or salmon
Add to a bento box for a refreshing green element

Pair with miso soup and steamed rice
Enjoy on its own for a light lunch or snack

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days

Best enjoyed fresh as the spinach can wilt
Don’t freeze—it will lose texture and flavor

Final Thoughts

Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing is a flavorful, healthy dish that brings simplicity and depth to your plate. It’s a perfect way to enjoy greens in a delicious, uniquely Japanese way. Whether served with dinner or as a refreshing side, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing: Light, Nutty, and Refreshingly Healthy

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Boil a pot of water and blanch the spinach for about 1 minute. Quickly transfer it to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking. Drain and squeeze out any excess water.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until they turn golden and fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves.
Place the blanched spinach in a serving bowl, drizzle the sesame dressing over it, and gently toss to combine.
Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top of the salad.