Kabocha Sesame Salad (Japanese Style)

This Kabocha Sesame Salad is an easy, creamy, and nutty Japanese side dish that comes together with just a few pantry ingredients. Sweet kabocha squash is tossed in a rich sesame dressing made with ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, sugar, and mayonnaise—simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.

It’s one of those classic Japanese home recipes that feels special but takes very little effort. Perfect for busy weekdays, bento boxes, or as a make-ahead side for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Kabocha Sesame Salad

Easy & quick: Ready in about 20 minutes
Creamy without being heavy
Nutty sesame flavor pairs perfectly with sweet kabocha
Kid-friendly (my kids love the natural sweetness!)
A great Japanese-style side dish for any meal

What Is Kabocha?

Kabocha is a Japanese pumpkin with a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture. It holds its shape well after cooking, making it perfect for salads like this one. If you enjoy Japanese home cooking, kabocha is a must-have ingredient.

RECIPE

Servings: 3-4

Time: 20 min

Ingredients:

1/2 small kabocha
3 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp japanese mayonnaise

Instructions:

Cook the Kabocha
Cut the kabocha into bite-sized cubes.
Place them in a pot and add enough water to cover the kabocha.
Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the kabocha is tender but not falling apart.
Drain well.
Make the dressing
In a bowl, add the ground sesame seeds, sugar, and soy sauce.
Mix until well combined and fragrant.
Mix Everything Together
Add the cooked kabocha and mayonnaise to the bowl.
Gently mix until the kabocha is evenly coated with the creamy sesame dressing.

My Kitchen Tool:

**Mortar**

I love this mortar for grinding sesame seeds

SHOP MORE

Tips for the Best Flavor

Grind roasted sesame seeds fresh using a mortar and pestle for the most aroma and depth of flavor
Let the kabocha cool slightly before mixing to keep the texture intact
Adjust sweetness by adding a little more sugar if your kabocha is less sweet
Adjust the creaminess with mayonnaise