Valerie Bertinelli's Favorite Vinaigrette's Recipe is So Gooood!!

Since interviewing Valerie Bertinelli back in July, I’ve been thinking about all of the delicious recipes she talked about in our conversation. From chocolate-covered dates to her favorite Trader Joe’s pantry dinner, I couldn’t wait to start trying out her go-to dishes.

Bertinelli has always had a knack for sharing easy, flavorful meals, and I was eager to explore them firsthand. Among all the dishes she mentioned, one recipe, in particular, caught my attention: her Ginger-Miso Vinaigrette.

I wanted to start off simple, so I decided to try this vinaigrette that she raved about. For a quick and easy side dish, Bertinelli uses this homemade vinaigrette to dress sliced vegetables for a gorgeous coating.

“It’s really delicious, and it just brings up a lot of the flavors in the veggies,” she shared during our conversation with EatingWell. The dressing, which also serves as the star of her Ginger-Miso Pasta Salad, is both versatile and easy to whip up. Here’s how I made it and why I can’t stop putting it on all of my greens.

The Ingredients

I stuck to Bertinelli’s recipe, which uses simple but flavorful pantry staples. You may need to stock up on a few items, but they’ll quickly become essentials you’ll find multiple uses for. Here are the ingredients I used:

3 tablespoons white miso paste
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

For example, the sesame oil and rice vinegar pair wonderfully with stir-fries like Chicken & Broccoli or drizzled over roasted vegetables.

The Process

The preparation was as simple as promised. I added all the ingredients to a jar with a lid, gave it a good shake, and voilà—within seconds, the vinaigrette was emulsified and ready to go.

If you don’t have a jar, you can mix the ingredients in a bowl with a whisk or spoon, but shaking them together in a jar ensures a smooth consistency in less time.

The Taste Test

I decided to try the vinaigrette on a simple green salad first to truly taste the dressing without distraction.

Immediately, the umami from the miso and soy sauce hit, creating a savory base that was beautifully balanced by the zing of fresh ginger and the nuttiness of toasted sesame seeds.

The toasted sesame oil rounded out the flavor, giving the dressing a rich, nutty finish that complemented the freshness of the salad.

As soon as I tasted it, I knew this vinaigrette was going to become a regular in my kitchen. It wasn’t just a salad dressing—it was a flavor-packed addition that could elevate any dish.

How I’ve Been Using It

Since making Bertinelli’s Ginger-Miso Vinaigrette, I’ve found myself pouring it over everything. From roasted broccoli to spinach side salads and even zucchini skewers, the dressing adds a burst of flavor that makes eating veggies more exciting.

The savory depth from the miso and soy sauce really shines in roasted dishes, while the bright ginger adds a refreshing pop, making it perfect for light salads.

If you prefer a bit of sweetness in your dressings, I found that adding a teaspoon of honey can balance the savory flavors. This small tweak can give the dressing a subtle sweetness that pairs well with heartier salads or grilled vegetables.

The Verdict

This Ginger-Miso Vinaigrette has not only helped me eat more vegetables but also earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.

Now that I have all the ingredients on hand, I can easily whip it up for any meal. Bertinelli was right—this dressing brings out the best in veggies, and its versatility means you can experiment with it in countless ways. Whether drizzled over greens or tossed with roasted vegetables, this vinaigrette is sure to become a staple in your kitchen too.

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dressing to elevate your salads and side dishes, I highly recommend trying this Ginger-Miso Vinaigrette. It’s simple to make, packed with umami flavor, and will have you eating more vegetables in no time!