This cranberry-dijon vinaigrette recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that come together to create a smooth and versatile dressing. It's a perfect addition to salads, grilled vegetables, or even as a marinade for poultry. The vibrant color from the cranberries makes this vinaigrette a visually appealing choice for any dish.
The key ingredient in this recipe is fresh cranberries, which may not be a staple in everyone's home. These are typically available in the produce section of your local supermarket especially around fall and winter. Another ingredient that you might not have on hand is Dijon mustard, which can be found in the condiment aisle. The shallots used in this recipe are a type of onion and can be found in most grocery stores. Lastly, for the red wine vinegar, look in the vinegar or salad dressing aisle.
Ingredients for Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette
Red wine vinegar: This adds acidity to the dressing, providing a tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the cranberries and honey.
Canola or vegetable oil: This is the base of the vinaigrette, providing body and smoothness to the dressing.
Fresh cranberries: These give the vinaigrette its distinctive color and a tart flavor that works well with the dijon mustard.
Honey: This adds sweetness to balance out the tartness of the cranberries and vinegar.
Dijon Mustard: This gives the vinaigrette its distinctive tang and helps to emulsify the dressing.
Shallots: These add a subtle onion flavor to the vinaigrette.
Salt: This enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Freshly ground black pepper: This adds a bit of heat and depth to the vinaigrette.
One reader, Hillery Wingate says:
This cranberry-dijon vinaigrette recipe is a game-changer! The tangy cranberries and the kick of dijon mustard create a perfect balance of flavors. It's so versatile, I've used it on salads, grilled veggies, and even as a marinade for chicken. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a burst of flavor!
Key Techniques for Making Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette
How to prepare the vinaigrette: Blend the ingredients in a blender until smooth, then refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before using.
How to store the vinaigrette: Keep the dressing refrigerated, where it will keep nicely for 2 to 3 days.
How To Make Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette
Amp up your salad dishes with this dijon vinaigrette, made with tartness from cranberries, tanginess from red wine vinegar, and sweetness from honey!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupred wine vinegar
- ¾cupcanola oil,or vegetable
- ¼cupfresh cranberries
- 2tbsphoney
- 2tspdijon mustard
- 2tbspshallots,(from 1 shallot), chopped
- ¼tspsalt
- ¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and purée until completely smooth.
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Refrigerate until ready to use.
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Serve over salads, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
The dressing will keep nicely in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Shake well before using.
Nutrition
- Calories: 2023.58kcal
- Fat: 204.89g
- Saturated Fat: 15.10g
- Trans Fat: 0.81g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 129.61g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 57.65g
- Carbohydrates: 53.04g
- Fiber: 3.17g
- Sugar: 46.59g
- Protein: 1.49g
- Sodium: 876.62mg
- Calcium: 31.14mg
- Potassium: 197.85mg
- Iron: 1.22mg
- Vitamin A: 1.85µg
- Vitamin C: 7.25mg
Pro Tip for Perfect Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette
When making your cranberry-dijon vinaigrette, it's important to add the oil slowly while the blender is running. This process, known as emulsification, will help to combine the oil and vinegar, creating a smooth and creamy dressing. If you add the oil all at once, the ingredients may not blend properly and your vinaigrette could end up separated or broken. Remember, patience is key for a perfect vinaigrette!
Time-Saving Tips for Homemade Vinaigrettes
Plan ahead: Prepare a weekly meal plan to streamline your grocery shopping and cooking process.
Prep in advance: Wash, chop, and store your ingredients ahead of time to save time during meal preparation.
One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup, such as soups, stews, and casseroles.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize time-saving tools like food processors, slow cookers, and instant pots to expedite meal prep.
Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of food and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
Follow recipes: Stick to tried-and-true recipes to minimize time spent experimenting with new dishes.
Organize your kitchen: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking utensils.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes and clean up spills while cooking to avoid a big mess at the end.
Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar has a slightly sweet and rich flavor that can complement the sweetness of the cranberries and honey in the vinaigrette.
canola or vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil adds a fruity and robust flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the vinaigrette.
fresh cranberries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can be rehydrated and provide a similar tartness and sweetness to the vinaigrette.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and depth of flavor that can work well with the other ingredients in the vinaigrette.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard provides a similar tangy flavor with added texture from the mustard seeds.
shallots - Substitute with red onion: Red onion can offer a slightly sharper flavor and crunch, similar to shallots, in the vinaigrette.
salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari, a type of soy sauce, can add a savory depth of flavor and saltiness to the vinaigrette.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder and slightly earthier flavor compared to black pepper in the vinaigrette.
Presentation Tips for Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use negative space to allow the vinaigrette to shine, and consider using edible flowers or microgreens to add a pop of color and elegance.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by including a crunchy component such as candied nuts or crispy prosciutto. This will provide a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the vinaigrette.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that the dish is well-balanced by incorporating complementary flavors. Consider adding a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of balsamic reduction to enhance the cranberry flavor in the vinaigrette.
Highlight the seasonal ingredients: Emphasize the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients in the presentation. Consider incorporating a garnish of fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of pomegranate arils to showcase the vibrant flavors of the season.
Artful drizzling: When applying the vinaigrette to the dish, use a steady hand to create an artful drizzle. This will demonstrate precision and attention to detail, adding a professional touch to the presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Select elegant and sophisticated serving ware to elevate the overall presentation. Consider using chic ceramic plates or glass platters to showcase the dish beautifully.
Garnish with finesse: Pay attention to the garnish and ensure it is applied with finesse. Consider using a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel or a dusting of edible gold leaf to add a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Vinaigrettes
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, purée, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Refrigerator: An appliance or compartment that is artificially kept cool and used to store food and drink.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure ingredients accurately for cooking and baking.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Vinaigrette Dressings
- This cranberry-dijon vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Make sure to shake the container well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.
- If you want to extend the shelf life of your vinaigrette, you can freeze it for up to 3 months:
- Pour the vinaigrette into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container, label it with the date, and store in the freezer.
- To use, simply thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the vinaigrette may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should remain intact.
- If you notice any separation or clumping after thawing, give the vinaigrette a quick blend or whisk to restore its smooth consistency before using.
- Always taste the vinaigrette before serving to ensure the flavors are well-balanced, and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt, pepper, or honey.
Interesting Fact About Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette
Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to marinades.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Vinaigrette Dressings
This cranberry-dijon vinaigrette recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are fairly affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The overall verdict for this recipe is an 8/10, as it offers a delicious and versatile dressing for various dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10, making it a budget-friendly option for enhancing salads and other dishes.
Is This Vinaigrette Dressing Healthy?
The cranberry-dijon vinaigrette recipe is relatively healthy, as it contains several nutritious ingredients:
- Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber
- Honey provides natural sweetness and contains antioxidants and minerals
- Dijon mustard is low in calories and fat, and contains beneficial compounds like glucosinolates
- Shallots are a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as minerals like potassium and iron
However, the recipe also has some less healthy aspects:
- The high proportion of oil to other ingredients results in a calorie-dense dressing
- Canola or vegetable oil, while not as unhealthy as some other oils, is still a refined oil that lacks the beneficial nutrients found in healthier options like olive oil
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the canola or vegetable oil with a healthier option like extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Increase the proportion of cranberries to boost the antioxidant content and fiber in the dressing
- Add a tablespoon or two of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to increase the omega-3 fatty acid content and provide additional fiber
- Experiment with using a low-fat yogurt or silken tofu as a partial replacement for some of the oil, which will reduce the calorie density while maintaining a creamy texture
- Consider adding other healthy ingredients like fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme) or spices (e.g., turmeric, ginger) to further enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile of the dressing
Editor's Take: Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe Review
This cranberry-dijon vinaigrette recipe is a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the subtle heat of the Dijon mustard, creating a well-balanced vinaigrette. The addition of shallots adds a depth of flavor, while the honey provides a touch of sweetness. This versatile dressing can elevate any salad, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
Enhance Your Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Explore These Delightful Vinaigrette Variations
From Start to Finish: Appetizers and Desserts to Round Out Your Meal
Why trust this Cranberry-Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe:
This cranberry-dijon vinaigrette recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The fresh cranberries provide a burst of tartness, while the dijon mustard adds a subtle heat. The combination of red wine vinegar and honey creates a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes. With the addition of shallots for depth and complexity, this vinaigrette promises to elevate any salad or dish. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe for a delightful culinary experience.
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