Asian Salad Dressing – Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly

I used to love those sweet Asian-style dressings from restaurants… right up until I checked the label and saw 12+ grams of sugar per serving. Yikes. This version keeps the flavor—nutty, tangy, just the right kick—without wrecking your macros.

And yes, I’ve tested it with grilled chicken, slaws, and even as a dip for lettuce wraps. It works.

Why This One Works So Well (Low-Carb Edition)

• The sesame oil brings that deep, nutty base that screams “Asian takeout,” but without the greasy after-feel.
• Lime juice and coconut aminos balance each other out: acid meets umami, and the aminos add a subtle sweetness—without soy or added sugar.
• Sugar-free honey gives you that little hit of sweetness without the spike. I use the Wholesome Yum brand or ChocZero’s, both tested for zero net carbs.

Ingredients That Kept It Keto

• Sesame oil (1/4 cup) – Go for untoasted if you’ll be using this as a marinade too. Toasted adds strong flavor, but a little goes a long way.
• Lime juice (1½ tbsp) – Fresh is best, but bottled is fine if you’re in a rush.
• Coconut aminos (1½ tbsp) – Soy sauce sub with a bit of sweetness. Tamari works too, but coconut aminos are lower in sodium.
• Sugar-free honey (1 tbsp) – Regular honey bumps your carbs fast. Sugar-free keeps this sweet without the sabotage.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced) – Raw garlic adds a bite. Sub ⅛ tsp powder if needed.
• Fresh ginger (1 tsp, grated) – Adds brightness. I’ve also used jarred when I was out of fresh—still solid.
• Sea salt (⅛ tsp) – Adjust to taste.
• Red pepper flakes (optional, ⅛ tsp) – For that kick. Totally optional but highly recommended.

Low-Carb Substitutions That Hold Up

Swap	What Changes	Still Works?
Toasted sesame oil only	Super strong flavor	Only if you love it bold
Tamari for coconut aminos	Adds salt, less sweet	Yes, just taste-test
Erythritol or monk fruit for honey	Texture thinner, taste less “real”	Meh—use sugar-free honey if you can

Keto Missteps and How I Fixed Them

What Went Wrong	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Dressing separated in the fridge	Oil + aminos don’t stay mixed	Shake before each use
Overpowered by toasted sesame	Toasted can dominate	Blend with a neutral oil (e.g. avocado)
Carbs added up fast	Used regular honey	Use sugar-free or keto-friendly brand

How I Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Whisk or shake. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
2. Taste test. Adjust lime or salt depending on your vibe.
3. Store in a mason jar. Makes it easy to shake up when you’re ready to use.

Tip: I always double the recipe and keep it in the fridge. One less thing to prep during busy weeknights.

Smart Moves I Always Use

• I pre-mince garlic and ginger and freeze it in silicone trays—easy grab-and-go for dressings like this.
• I use a handheld frother to mix dressing in the jar—gets it super emulsified, no whisk needed.
• Add 1 tsp sesame seeds for a bit of texture if you’re using it as a salad topper.

Keeping It Keto-Friendly All Week

• Fridge life: Up to 2 weeks in a sealed jar.
• Shake before each use—the oils separate, totally normal.
• Don’t freeze—the lime and garlic get weird after thawing.

Can I Eat This on Keto? (Yes, Here’s Why)

• Net carbs per 2 tbsp serving: ~1.9g (if using sugar-free honey)
• No refined sugars, no soy (if using coconut aminos)
• Healthy fats from sesame oil = satiating, not spiking

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 Tbsp Serving

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	133 kcal
Total Fat	13.6g
— Saturated Fat	1.9g
— Polyunsaturated Fat	5.4g
— Monounsaturated Fat	5.2g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	103mg
Potassium	14mg
Total Carbs	3.5g
— Fiber	1.6g
— Sugars	1.2g*
Net Carbs	1.9g
Protein	0.1g

Note: Sugar count is based on natural sugars in garlic, ginger, and coconut aminos—sugar-free honey contributes zero actual sugar.

💡 FYI:

• If you use regular honey, net carbs jump to about 4.7g per serving, depending on brand.
• Coconut aminos have a slight natural sugar content (usually ~1g per tbsp), so if you’re ultra-strict, switch to tamari for lower carb impact.

Check out More Recipes:

• Low Carb Keto Thousand Island Dressing
• Low Carb Keto Caesar Dressing Recipe
• Low Carb Keto Italian Dressing (Sugar-Free)
• Asian Chopped Salad – Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly