Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing

Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing Recipe with Vanilla Beans and Dijon Mustard

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing is a delicious and tangy dressing that is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your salads. The combination of sweet cranberries, zesty orange, and savory mustard creates a unique and refreshing dressing that will elevate any salad.

History

Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing is a modern twist on traditional cranberry sauce. Cranberries have long been a staple in American cuisine, especially during the holiday season. This dressing takes the classic cranberry flavor and adds a citrusy kick from fresh orange juice and zest, creating a versatile dressing that can be used year-round.

Ingredients

3 cups granulated sugar
1.5 cups water
2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise
1 orange, zested and juiced
3 bags fresh or frozen cranberries
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp dijon mustard

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, dissolve sugar in water. Add vanilla beans and bring to a simmer.
Add orange juice, cranberries, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until cranberries begin to pop and become tender, approximately 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in mustard.
Chill until ready to serve.

Variations

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a more complex flavor profile.
Substitute honey for the sugar for a natural sweetener.
Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the cranberries until they begin to pop and become tender. This will help release their natural juices and flavors.

- Chilling the dressing before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more cohesive taste.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of mustard to suit your personal taste preferences. You can add more for a stronger mustard flavor or less for a milder taste.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens, spinach, or arugula salads. It also pairs well with grilled chicken, turkey, or pork dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the cranberries until they pop will help release their natural juices and create a thicker dressing.

- Stirring in the mustard at the end will add a tangy kick to the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen cranberries, but be sure to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.

- Lemon juice can be used in place of orange juice for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing in a small pitcher or jar for a rustic and elegant presentation. Drizzle it over salads just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, meats, and cheeses. Try it with a spinach and goat cheese salad, grilled chicken breast, or a charcuterie board.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or give it a good stir if it has separated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

130

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 27g

Fats

- Total Fat: 0g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 0g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% DV

- Vitamin A: 2% DV

- Calcium: 1% DV

- Iron: 1% DV

Alergens

Mustard

Summary

Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing is a low-fat and low-calorie dressing that is high in carbohydrates due to the sugar content. It is a good source of Vitamin C and contains no cholesterol.

Summary

Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing is a versatile and flavorful dressing that is perfect for adding a pop of flavor to your salads. With its tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and savory mustard, this dressing is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing. It was many years ago, while I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy kitchen. Martha was known for her delicious homemade salads, and on this particular day, she served a salad that was unlike any I had ever tasted before.

The vibrant colors of the cranberries and oranges mixed with the fresh greens caught my eye immediately. But it was the dressing that truly stole the show. Tangy and sweet, with a hint of citrus, it perfectly complemented the flavors of the salad. I had never tasted anything like it, and I knew I had to have the recipe.

Martha smiled as she saw my enthusiasm and handed me a faded recipe card. She explained that the recipe had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a friend many years ago. I held the card in my hands, feeling a sense of connection to the generations of women who had cherished this recipe.

As soon as I returned home, I set to work recreating the Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing. I carefully measured out the ingredients, blending together fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, mustard, and a splash of vinegar. The scent of the dressing filled my kitchen, transporting me back to Martha's cozy kitchen.

When I finally tossed the dressing with a crisp salad of mixed greens, sliced oranges, and toasted walnuts, I knew I had found a new favorite recipe. The flavors danced on my tongue, bright and refreshing, with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my own family and friends.

Over the years, I have continued to make the Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing for special occasions and everyday meals alike. Each time I prepare it, I think of Martha and the bond we share through this recipe. I have tweaked the recipe slightly over the years, adding a touch of fresh ginger or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist on the original.

I have shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, passing down the tradition of making this special dressing. They have embraced it with the same enthusiasm that I did when I first discovered it. I love watching them create their own salads, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors.

As I look back on the many recipes I have collected over the years, the Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing holds a special place in my heart. It represents not just a delicious dish, but a connection to the past and the women who came before me. I am grateful for the friendships and memories that have been woven into this recipe, and I will continue to cherish it for years to come.