Desserts
This Kewpie sesame dressing salad transforms a simple bowl of greens into a nutty, creamy masterpiece with crisp celery crowns. The dressing—made with Kewpie mayo, sesame oil, and a touch of soy sauce—adds a rich, savory depth that balances fresh vegetables perfectly.
I developed this recipe after craving something creamy yet light, and the sesame dressing became the game-changer.
The secret lies in the dressing: blending Kewpie mayo with toasted sesame oil and a splash of rice vinegar creates a velvety, aromatic base that clings to every bite. For extra crunch, thinly sliced celery is lightly fried until golden—this step elevates the salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
The combination of creamy, crunchy, and fresh textures makes it irresistibly satisfying.
What you’ll end up with is a salad that’s restaurant-quality at home—bright, flavorful, and packed with layers of taste. The dressing ties everything together, while the crisp celery crowns add a satisfying bite. It’s vegetarian, protein-packed (thanks to the sesame and cream cheese), and foolproof for any occasion.
Serve it as a light lunch, side dish, or even a dessert with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make extra for future salads. Let’s get started on this nutty, creamy delight!
Ingredients for kewpie sesame dressing salad
Kewpie mayo, toasted sesame oil, and crisp celery crowns—this salad delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kewpie Japanese Mayo 🥫 | ½ cup | Essential for authentic flavor |
| Sesame Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | Toasted for maximum aroma |
| Rice Vinegar 🍶 | 1 tbsp | Lightly seasoned variety |
| Soy Sauce 🍶 | 1 tbsp | Low-sodium preferred |
| Cream Cheese 🧀 | 4 oz | Full-fat for creaminess |
| Celery Sticks 🧅 | 3 whole | Thinly sliced lengthwise |
| Lettuce 🥬 | 6 cups | Butter or romaine preferred |
| Sesame Seeds 🌾 | 1 tbsp | Toasted for garnish |
| Vegetable Oil 🫒 | ½ cup | For frying celery |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Fine sea salt preferred |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Sesame Paste 🥜 | 1 tbsp | For extra nutty depth |
| Green Onions 🧅 | 2 whole | Thinly sliced for garnish |
| Honey 🍯 | 1 tsp | Optional for balance |
The Kewpie mayo is non-negotiable here—it's the secret weapon. Find it at Asian markets or well-stocked grocery stores like Trader Joe's or H Mart. If you can't find it, Hellmann's or Best Foods mayo works in a pinch, but the flavor won't be quite the same. For the sesame oil, look for toasted varieties—they've got that nutty aroma you want. The celery? Choose crisp, firm stalks—avoid any that feel soft or wilted. I like to buy organic celery when possible, but regular works too. The cream cheese adds that luscious texture, so go for full-fat—it makes all the difference.
No Kewpie mayo? Mix regular mayo with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar—it won't be identical, but it'll get you close. Running out of sesame oil? Sesame paste mixed with a little water works in a bind. The celery crowns are the star, so don't skip the frying step—they should be golden and crisp. If you're short on time, bake them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes instead. For the dressing, if you want to make it ahead, store the dressing and celery separately—combine right before serving to keep everything crisp. The green onions and sesame seeds are just for garnish, so don't stress if you're missing one—the salad will still be delicious.
This salad tastes even better the next day once everything has a chance to meld. Store the dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 5 days—it keeps beautifully. The celery crowns? Eat them fresh—they lose their crunch after a day. I like to make a big batch of dressing and keep it on hand for future salads—it's like having a flavor bomb ready to go. If you're prepping ahead, assemble everything except the celery crowns and add them just before serving. The honey is optional, but it adds a nice touch if you want to balance the savory flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Blend: I swear, this dressing comes together faster than I can say "sesame oil." Just whisk mayo, vinegar, and a splash of soy sauce—no straining, no heating, no waiting. The cream cheese gives it that velvety texture without extra effort.
- Umami Bomb: That first bite? Pure flavor payoff. The Kewpie mayo’s tang cuts through the richness of cream cheese, while sesame oil adds a nutty punch. Honestly, it’s the kind of dressing that makes me forget about bland salads forever.
- Lunchbox Hero: Between us, this keeps perfectly for days in the fridge. Pack it with cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even leftover chicken—it’s my go-to for work lunches. (Yes, even on a Tuesday night when I’m too tired to think.)
- Budget Magic: I use this dressing on everything—rice bowls, sandwiches, even as a dip. A jar of Kewpie mayo lasts me weeks, and the other ingredients? Pantry staples. It’s my secret weapon for making simple meals feel special without breaking the bank.
Step-by-step instructions for Kewpie sesame dressing salad
This creamy, nutty dressing brings bold Japanese flavors to your salad—crisp celery crowns add the perfect crunch.
Prepare the Crispy Celery Crowns
Slice the 3 whole celery sticks lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/8-inch thick. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this ensures they crisp up beautifully in the oil. Heat the 0.5 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Working in batches, carefully add the celery strips to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn a golden brown and become crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil. The celery should hold its shape but feel firm when bitten. Set aside to cool slightly before assembling the salad.
Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, soften the 4 oz cream cheese by cutting it into small cubes and letting it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Add the 0.5 cup Kewpie Japanese mayo and whisk until smooth and creamy. The mixture should look thick and pale yellow—this is your base.
Gradually whisk in the 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame paste, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. If using, add the 1 tsp honey for a touch of sweetness. The dressing should coat the back of a spoon and have a rich, nutty aroma. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is your chance to balance the flavors before it hits the salad.
Assemble the Salad with Crunch and Cream
Tear the 6 cups lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large serving bowl. Arrange the crispy celery crowns on top, fanning them out for visual appeal. Drizzle the creamy dressing generously over the lettuce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. The dressing should cling to the lettuce leaves without making them soggy.
Sprinkle the 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced 2 whole green onions over the top. The seeds add a delightful crunch, while the green onions bring a fresh contrast to the rich dressing. Serve immediately while the celery is still crisp and the dressing is at its creamiest.
Garnish and Serve for Maximum Flavor
For the finishing touch, drizzle any remaining dressing around the edges of the salad plate. This not only looks beautiful but ensures every bite gets that nutty, creamy flavor. The contrast of the crisp celery crowns against the cool lettuce and rich dressing makes this salad irresistibly satisfying.
This dish serves 4 generously, so double the recipe if you're feeding a crowd. The key to success is keeping the celery crispy and the dressing balanced—don’t skip the room-temperature step for the cream cheese, as cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly.
Pro Tips For Making Kewpie Sesame Dressing Salad
- WHISK CREAM CHEESE FIRST: I learned this the hard way—trying to fold in softened cream cheese at the end just makes a lumpy mess. Whisk it into the mayo before adding anything else so it blends smoothly. Use room-temperature cream cheese (yes, even if you’re impatient like me), or melt it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds—just enough to make it pourable.
- DRIZZLE SESAME OIL LAST: This isn’t the prettiest method, but it’s the tastiest. If you add sesame oil early, it’ll cook off the aroma and leave you with just the taste. Instead, whisk everything except the oil, then let the salad sit for 5 minutes before drizzling it on top. The heat from the dressing will wake up those nutty notes right when you eat it.
- SALT THE SOY SAUCE: Plain soy sauce is way saltier than you’d think when mixed with mayo and vinegar. Taste it first—if it’s already salty, cut it in half or skip adding extra salt later. I skip this when I’m lazy, but the dressing is noticeably better when I don’t overpower the flavors.
- MIX VINEGAR GRADUALLY: Adding all the rice vinegar at once turns your creamy dressing into a thin, tangy sauce. Start with half the amount, taste, then drizzle in the rest one teaspoon at a time until it balances. The goal is bright acidity, not vinegar punch—trust your tongue here.
Health benefits of these flavors
Heart-Healthy Fats
The Kewpie sesame dressing delivers monounsaturated fats from sesame oil and cream cheese, which support heart health by improving cholesterol levels. A 2-tablespoon serving of this dressing contains about 120mg of heart-friendly fats, helping reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol while maintaining HDL ("good") cholesterol.
The sesame seeds add extra omega-3s and omega-6s, which combat inflammation. 💪
Protein Powerhouse
This salad packs a surprising protein punch thanks to the cream cheese and sesame paste. A single serving delivers around 6 grams of protein, making it a great vegetarian option for muscle repair and satiety.
The sesame seeds contribute an additional 2 grams of plant-based protein per tablespoon, while the celery crowns add fiber for balanced nutrition.
Antioxidant Boost
The sesame oil and seeds are rich in sesamin and sesamol, powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and protect cells. These compounds have been linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
The crisp celery crowns add vitamin K and flavonoids, which support bone health and reduce inflammation. 🌱
Digestive Benefits
The combination of fiber-rich celery and probiotic-friendly cream cheese makes this salad gentle on digestion while promoting gut health. Celery is particularly high in insoluble fiber, aiding digestion and preventing constipation. The dressing's creamy texture also helps soothe the digestive tract, making it ideal for lighter meals.
Balanced Nutrition
This salad provides a perfect balance of macronutrients and micronutrients—healthy fats from sesame oil, lean protein from cream cheese, and fiber from lettuce and celery. The low-sodium soy sauce keeps it heart-friendly, while the rice vinegar adds acidity for better nutrient absorption.
It’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering energy without heaviness. ✨
Blood Sugar Stability
The dressing’s low glycemic index ingredients—sesame seeds, celery, and lettuce—help stabilize blood sugar levels, making this salad ideal for diabetics or anyone watching their carb intake.
The honey (optional) adds natural sweetness without spiking glucose, while the fiber-rich greens slow digestion for steady energy release. Perfect for a balanced diet! 💡
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this dressing without Kewpie mayo?
Yes, you can substitute! Mix ½ cup regular mayo with 1 tsp soy sauce and ½ tsp sugar for a similar flavor profile. For extra depth, add ½ tsp toasted sesame paste. The texture won't be identical, but it'll still taste delicious.
How do I keep the celery crowns crispy when assembling the salad?
Fry the celery just before serving and let it cool completely on paper towels. Assemble the salad last minute—add the celery crowns right before drizzling the dressing. If storing components separately, keep the celery in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but with smart prep! Store the dressing in an airtight container for up to 5 days and the lettuce in a separate container with a damp paper towel. Keep the celery crowns separate—they're best eaten fresh. Assemble everything just before serving to maintain crispness.
Can I add protein to this vegetarian salad?
Try adding grilled tofu cubes, edamame, or chickpeas for extra protein. For a seafood twist, add canned sardines or smoked salmon. Just toss them in after assembling the salad to keep everything fresh.
Why does my dressing look too thick or too thin?
Thick? Add 1 tsp water or rice vinegar and whisk until smooth. Too thin? Stir in 1 tbsp cream cheese or Kewpie mayo to thicken. The dressing should coat the back of a spoon but still drizzle easily. Taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes more soy sauce or honey balances the texture.