Citrus Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
This Citrus Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of tart grapefruit juice, rich extra virgin olive oil, and zesty whole grain Dijon mustard. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of raw food cuisine from the blog Happy, Healthy, Life, this dressing adds a refreshing twist to fresh salads. Perfectly paired with tender baby spinach, it beautifully complements toppings such as honey goat cheese and toasted walnuts. Whether you're enjoying a light lunch or enlivening a family dinner, this dressing brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to any dish.
2-4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
white grapefruit juice
1/2 (juiced)
extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons (none)
maple syrup
1 teaspoon (none)
whole grain Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
black pepper
1 dash (none)
Instructions
1
Start by juicing half of a white grapefruit, ensuring you strain out any seeds.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with the extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, and whole grain Dijon mustard.
3
Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until emulsified and well combined.
4
Season with a dash of black pepper to taste.
5
Taste the vinaigrette and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed, adding more maple syrup, olive oil, or additional citrus juice if desired.
6
Serve immediately over your favorite salad, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette?
It is a refreshing salad dressing made from white grapefruit juice, extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, and whole grain Dijon mustard.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The five ingredients are white grapefruit juice, extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, whole grain Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
Is this vinaigrette vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses maple syrup as a sweetener and contains no animal products.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes between 2 and 4 servings.
How do I prepare the grapefruit for this dressing?
You should juice half of a white grapefruit and strain out any seeds before mixing.
What kind of mustard should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for whole grain Dijon mustard to provide texture and zest.
How should I store the leftover dressing?
Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the dressing stay fresh in the fridge?
The dressing can be stored for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Do I need to shake the dressing before using it?
Yes, you should shake the container well before use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
What salads pair well with this vinaigrette?
It pairs perfectly with baby spinach, honey goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
Can I substitute the maple syrup?
Yes, you can use agave nectar or honey as a substitute, though honey is not vegan.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor profile.
Is this recipe considered raw food?
Yes, the recipe is inspired by raw food cuisine and uses raw ingredients.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously in a mixing bowl until they are emulsified.
Can I use pink grapefruit instead of white?
Yes, pink grapefruit can be used, though it may be slightly sweeter than white grapefruit.
How much maple syrup is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of maple syrup.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
The recipe does not list salt, but it includes a dash of black pepper to taste.
Can I use bottled grapefruit juice?
Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
How can I adjust the acidity of the dressing?
You can add more citrus juice for more acidity or more olive oil to mellow it out.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the blog Happy, Healthy, Life and its focus on raw food cuisine.
How can I make the dressing sweeter?
Simply add a small amount of additional maple syrup until you reach your desired sweetness.
Can I use regular Dijon mustard instead of whole grain?
Yes, regular Dijon can be used, but the dressing will have a smoother texture and less visual variety.
Is this dressing spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the Dijon mustard and black pepper, but it is not traditionally spicy.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 5 ingredients in this vinaigrette recipe.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, the citrus and mustard profile makes it an excellent light marinade for vegetables or proteins.
Does this dressing contain cholesterol?
No, this plant-based dressing is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the ingredients can easily be doubled or tripled for larger groups or meal prep.
Should I use a blender to mix it?
A whisk is sufficient, but a blender can be used for a more uniform, creamy emulsion.
What should I do if the oil solidifies in the fridge?
Let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes and shake it well before serving.