Mediterranean Delight Salad Dressing
Experience the ultimate blend of creamy and zesty flavors with our Mediterranean Delight Salad Dressing. A symphony of fresh ingredients, this dressing pairs beautifully with crisp romaine lettuce and a medley of colorful toppings, creating an unforgettable dish that's both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or gift it as a delightful culinary present.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
1 gallon (no substitute)
Dijon mustard
1 cup (best quality)
garlic
1/2-1 cup (minced)
onion
1/2 cup (minced)
celery
1/2 cup (minced)
lemon
1 (juice of)
fine salt
2 tablespoons
white pepper
1 tablespoon
boiled chicken
as needed (chopped)
mango
as needed (cubed)
toasted croutons
as needed
tomatoes
as needed (seeded and diced)
toasted pine nuts
as needed (halved)
romaine lettuce
as needed
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, onion, and celery until smooth.
2
Add in the lemon juice, salt, and white pepper. Use a hand emulsion blender to blend thoroughly until the flavors are well combined.
3
Cover and chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
4
When ready to serve, in a salad bowl, place cold romaine lettuce leaves and toss gently with 1/4 cup of the prepared cold dressing.
5
Divide the dressed lettuce among individual salad bowls.
6
Top each serving with diced tomatoes, chopped boiled chicken, and scatter cubed mangoes and halved grapes on top.
7
Finish by garnishing with toasted croutons and pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Delight Salad Dressing?
It is a creamy and zesty salad dressing made from a blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh vegetables, designed to pair with romaine lettuce and various toppings.
What are the primary ingredients in the dressing base?
The base consists of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, minced onion, and minced celery.
How much mayonnaise is required for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 gallon of mayonnaise, and the instructions specify there is no substitute.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe requires 1 cup of best quality Dijon mustard.
How much garlic should I use?
You can use between 1/2 cup to 1 cup of minced garlic depending on your flavor preference.
Is there fresh fruit in this salad?
Yes, the salad is topped with cubed mangoes and halved grapes for a sweet contrast.
How long should the dressing chill?
The dressing should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of lettuce is used for the Mediterranean Delight Salad?
The recipe specifically calls for cold romaine lettuce leaves.
What equipment is needed to blend the dressing?
You should use a hand emulsion blender to ensure the flavors are well combined and the texture is smooth.
How is the chicken prepared for this salad?
The chicken should be boiled and then chopped before being added as a topping.
What type of nuts are included in the recipe?
Toasted pine nuts are used as a garnish for added crunch and flavor.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of white pepper to maintain the dressing's color and flavor profile.
How much dressing should I use for the lettuce?
The instructions recommend tossing the cold romaine lettuce with 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be seeded and diced before being added to the salad.
What adds a crunchy texture to the salad?
Toasted croutons and toasted pine nuts provide the primary crunch for this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, given the large quantity of mayonnaise (1 gallon), this recipe is ideal for family dinners or large gatherings.
Can this dressing be given as a gift?
Yes, the description suggests it makes a delightful culinary present.
What gives the dressing its zesty flavor?
The zestiness comes from the combination of Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of fine salt.
How should the onion and celery be prepared?
Both the onion and celery should be finely minced before being added to the mixing bowl.
Should the salad be served warm?
No, it is a cold salad; both the lettuce and the dressing should be cold when served.
Is the lemon juice fresh?
The recipe calls for the juice of one fresh lemon.
How many ingredients are in the entire recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including the dressing base and the salad toppings.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, healthy, cold salad, garlicky, creamy, and nutritious.
How should the dressing be stored?
It should be kept covered in the refrigerator.
What is the first step in making the dressing?
The first step is to whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, and celery in a large mixing bowl.
Are the pine nuts halved or whole?
The ingredient list specifies the toasted pine nuts should be halved.
Can I substitute the Dijon mustard?
The recipe recommends 'best quality' Dijon mustard for the intended flavor profile.
Is this a garlicky dressing?
Yes, it is tagged as 'garlicky' and uses up to a full cup of minced garlic.
How do I serve the finished salad?
Toss the lettuce with dressing, divide into bowls, and then layer with chicken, tomatoes, mango, grapes, croutons, and pine nuts.