Tired of the same old salad dressings? Craving a vibrant and healthy addition to your meal routine? Then look no further! This easy cranberry vinaigrette dressing recipe is a delicious and surprisingly simple way to elevate your salads, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness, creating a flavor explosion that's perfect for any season, but especially delightful during the holidays. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen – quick to make, healthy, and endlessly versatile. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cranberries, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, orange zest, salt, and pepper.
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Blend Until Smooth: Blend until the cranberries are completely broken down and the dressing is smooth and emulsified. If using a less powerful blender, you may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more maple syrup for sweetness, vinegar for tartness, or salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
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Serve Immediately or Store: This cranberry vinaigrette is delicious served immediately. For later use, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will meld beautifully, becoming even more delicious over time.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cranberry Vinaigrette:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Both fresh and frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before blending for a smoother consistency.
- Olive Oil Quality: Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil will significantly enhance the flavor of the dressing.
- Adjust Sweetness: The amount of maple syrup (or honey) can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a tarter dressing, reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
- Citrus Zest: The orange zest adds a bright and refreshing note. You can also experiment with lemon or lime zest for a different flavor profile.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Cranberry Vinaigrette: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Cranberry Vinaigrette: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for an aromatic twist.
- Cranberry Walnut Vinaigrette: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for added crunch and richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes approximately 1 1/2 cups of dressing. Nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the ingredients used. One serving (approximately 2 tablespoons) contains roughly:
- Calories: 150-180
- Fat: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
- Sugar: 4-6g
- Protein: <1g
This easy cranberry vinaigrette dressing is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and healthy addition to your meals. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the ease of this homemade dressing! It's perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or simply adding a touch of excitement to your everyday healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It truly is one of the best recipes you can add to your repertoire of delicious dishes and homemade cooking creations.