Orange Vinaigrette

Orange Vinaigrette Recipe - Healthy and Delicious Salad Dressing

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Orange vinaigrette is a tangy and sweet dressing that adds a burst of citrus flavor to salads, vegetables, and even grilled meats. This versatile vinaigrette is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

History

The origins of orange vinaigrette are not clear, but citrus-based dressings have been used in cooking for centuries. Oranges have long been prized for their bright flavor and health benefits, making them a popular choice for vinaigrettes.

Ingredients

4 cups of orange juice
0.25 cup of cider vinegar
1 tbsp of dijon mustard
3 tbsp of honey
2.5 cups of canola oil
2 pinches of fresh ground black pepper
2 tbsp of cold water (optional)

How to prepare

Reduce the orange juice and cider vinegar in a heavy pot over moderate heat until it reaches 1 cup.
Stir regularly with a wooden spoon. Be cautious as it thickens to prevent sticking and burning to the bottom of the pot.
Allow the mixture to cool before proceeding.
Place the remaining orange juice in a stainless steel bowl.
Add the Dijon mustard and honey to the bowl.
Using a wire whisk, thoroughly whisk the ingredients together.
Slowly pour the oil into the bowl in a steady stream, while constantly whisking.
Continue whisking until all the oil is added.
If the mixture appears to be getting too saturated with oil and may separate, add 1 tbsp of cold water while still whisking. Then continue adding the remaining oil.
Add the freshly ground pepper.
Transfer the vinaigrette into a clean plastic bottle and store it in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different flavor profile.
Use lemon juice instead of cider vinegar for a more tart vinaigrette.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to reduce the orange juice and cider vinegar until it reaches 1 cup to concentrate the flavors.

- Whisk the oil into the orange juice mixture slowly to ensure a smooth and creamy vinaigrette.

- If the vinaigrette appears to be separating, add a tablespoon of cold water while whisking to emulsify the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Orange vinaigrette is delicious drizzled over mixed greens, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. It can also be used as a marinade for seafood or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful orange vinaigrette is to emulsify the oil and orange juice mixture slowly while whisking continuously. This will create a creamy and well-blended dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have canola oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil as a substitute. You can also use agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

Orange vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to shake or whisk the vinaigrette before using it, as it may separate over time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve orange vinaigrette in a small pitcher or pour it into a decorative bottle for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle the vinaigrette over salads or dishes just before serving for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Orange vinaigrette pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It also complements salads with mixed greens, nuts, and fruits.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store orange vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the vinaigrette separates, simply shake or whisk it before using it. Do not freeze the vinaigrette, as it may change the texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of orange vinaigrette contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of orange vinaigrette contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of orange vinaigrette contains approximately 22 grams of fats.

Proteins

Orange vinaigrette does not contain any significant amount of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Orange vinaigrette is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and skin health.

Alergens

Orange vinaigrette may contain allergens such as mustard. Be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens before consuming.

Summary

Orange vinaigrette is a flavorful dressing that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It is a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Orange vinaigrette is a versatile and flavorful dressing that adds a bright citrus flavor to a variety of dishes. With a few simple ingredients and some whisking, you can create a delicious vinaigrette that will elevate your meals. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly chat and catch-up. Margaret was a fantastic cook, and she always had a new recipe or two up her sleeve to share with me. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, she suddenly jumped up and rummaged through her old recipe box.

"I have the perfect recipe for you to try, my dear," Margaret exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with excitement. She handed me a faded index card with neat handwriting that read "Orange Vinaigrette."

"Where did you get this recipe?" I asked, intrigued by the simple yet unique combination of ingredients.

"Oh, I got it from my Aunt Mildred years ago. She used to make it for family gatherings, and it was always a hit. I'm sure you'll love it too," Margaret replied with a smile.

I thanked Margaret for the recipe and tucked it safely into my purse, eager to give it a try. That evening, as I prepared dinner for my family, I decided to whip up a batch of Orange Vinaigrette to accompany our salad. The aroma of freshly squeezed orange juice and tangy vinegar filled the air as I mixed the ingredients together in a bowl. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

As we sat down to eat, I drizzled the Orange Vinaigrette over our salad, and the flavors exploded in my mouth. The sweetness of the orange juice balanced perfectly with the acidity of the vinegar, creating a deliciously tangy dressing that elevated the simple salad to a whole new level. My family raved about the vinaigrette, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

From that day on, I made Orange Vinaigrette whenever we had friends over for dinner or needed a quick and easy dressing for our salads. It became my go-to recipe, and I loved sharing it with others just as Margaret had shared it with me.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a touch of honey for sweetness and a hint of Dijon mustard for extra flavor. I also experimented with different types of vinegar, from balsamic to white wine, to see how they would affect the overall taste of the vinaigrette.

One summer, my grandchildren came to visit, and I decided to teach them how to make Orange Vinaigrette. We gathered in the kitchen, and I showed them how to zest and juice oranges, measure out the vinegar and olive oil, and whisk everything together until it formed a smooth and creamy dressing.

As we sat down to enjoy our salad tossed with the freshly made vinaigrette, I watched with pride as my grandchildren savored each bite. It was a special moment, passing down a beloved family recipe to the next generation and knowing that it would be cherished and shared for years to come.

Now, whenever I make Orange Vinaigrette, I think of Margaret and her Aunt Mildred, the two women who introduced me to this delightful recipe. I am grateful for their generosity in sharing their culinary knowledge with me, and I am proud to continue the tradition by passing it on to my own loved ones.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a refreshing and flavorful dressing for your salads, look no further than Orange Vinaigrette. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time and holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of good food and the joy of sharing it with those you love.