Tired of the same old salad dressings? Craving something vibrant, zesty, and utterly delicious? Then get ready to be swept away by the irresistible flavors of Pancho's famous dressing! This easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for adding a burst of sunshine to any salad, taco night, or even as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. It's a quick dinner idea that's packed with fresh ingredients, making it a healthy and satisfying addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. This is one of those best recipes you'll want to keep coming back to!
Ingredients: A Fiesta of Flavors
This recipe makes approximately 1 ½ cups of dressing. Feel free to double or even triple it, as it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Let's Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Pancho's dressing is as simple as 1, 2, 3! Even if you're a beginner in the kitchen, this easy recipe is perfect for you.
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Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, and honey (or maple syrup) until well combined. A jar works wonderfully as you can simply shake it up!
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Add the Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
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Fresh Herbs are Key: Gently fold in the chopped cilantro. This step is best done towards the end to preserve the vibrant green color and fresh flavor of the cilantro.
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Season to Perfection: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Tips and Variations for a Truly Unique Dressing
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit juice for a different flavor profile.
- Herbaceous Delight: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
- Creamy Texture: For a creamier dressing, add ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Make it Ahead: Pancho's dressing tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately ¼ cup)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: (Varies depending on salt added)
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 0g
This delicious and healthy dressing is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite salads, tacos, or grilled meats. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!