Japanese Spinach Salad (Ohitashi): Easy Recipe & Video

Updated at: 11/01/2025

Discover the simple elegance of Japanese Spinach Ohitashi, a refreshing and healthy side dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe showcases the vibrant, naturally sweet flavor of spinach, delicately enhanced with a light and savory sesame dressing. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; Ohitashi is surprisingly quick and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. It's the ideal dish for weeknight dinners or adding a touch of sophistication to your next gathering. The delicate balance of flavors and textures makes it a delightful complement to grilled meats, fish, or simply enjoyed on its own.

This classic Japanese side dish is incredibly versatile; feel free to experiment with different types of sesame oil or add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch. Ready to experience the culinary simplicity of Ohitashi? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this delicious and healthy salad.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Spinach
  • Water
  • Soy Sauce
  • Mirin
  • Dashi (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Blanch Spinach

  • Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for about 30 seconds, or until wilted.
  • Remove the spinach from the boiling water and immediately transfer it to a colander to drain. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain its vibrant green color.
Prepare the spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems.Blanch the spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for about 30 seconds, or until wilted.Drain the spinach: Remove the spinach from the boiling water and immediately transfer it to a colander to drain. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain its vibrant green color.
Prepare and Blanch Spinach

Step 2. Drain and Squeeze Spinach

  • Gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach. This step is crucial for preventing a watery salad.
Squeeze out excess water: Gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach. This step is crucial for preventing a watery salad.
Drain and Squeeze Spinach

Step 3. Make the Dressing

  • In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, and optional dashi (for a richer flavor). Adjust the amounts to your preference.
Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, and optional dashi (for a richer flavor). Adjust the amounts to your preference.
Make the Dressing

Step 4. Combine and Serve

  • Add the squeezed spinach to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Combine and serve: Add the squeezed spinach to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Combine and Serve

Read more: Vegan Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim): Easy Korean Recipe

Tips

  • Don't overcook the spinach; it should be tender-crisp. Blanching quickly helps retain its nutrients and vibrant green color.
  • Squeezing out excess water is key to preventing a watery salad.
  • Adjust the amount of soy sauce and mirin to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter or saltier taste.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach for Ohitashi?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe. Frozen spinach can be slightly less tender.

2. What can I substitute for sesame oil?

While sesame oil is traditional, you can substitute with a mild vegetable oil like canola or grapeseed oil. However, the flavor will be noticeably different. A touch of toasted sesame seeds can help compensate for the missing sesame oil flavor.


Enjoy your freshly made Ohitashi! This simple yet elegant salad is a testament to the beauty of fresh ingredients and minimal preparation. We hope you’ll add this healthy and delicious recipe to your regular cooking rotation.