Spiced Honey Cumin Vinaigrette
This Spiced Honey Cumin Vinaigrette combines the earthy warmth of ground cumin with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a balanced and flavorful dressing. The bright acidity of red wine vinegar brings brightness to roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or your grain bowls. Perfect for elevating simple dishes, this vinaigrette is not only easy to prepare, but it also adds a delightful depth to your culinary creations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Honey
1 teaspoon (none)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, add the red wine vinegar, ground cumin, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and the mixture starts to emulsify.
3
While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil to create a smooth and slightly thickened dressing.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
5
Transfer the vinaigrette to a sealed container and refrigerate. Use within 3 days for the best flavor.
6
Prior to serving, allow the vinaigrette to come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk or shake to recombine ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Honey Cumin Vinaigrette?
Spiced Honey Cumin Vinaigrette is a flavorful salad dressing that combines the earthy warmth of ground cumin with the natural sweetness of honey and the tang of red wine vinegar.
What does this vinaigrette taste like?
It features a balanced profile of earthy, sweet, and acidic flavors with a smooth, slightly thickened texture from the emulsified olive oil.
How do I make this vinaigrette?
You whisk together vinegar, cumin, mustard, honey, and seasoning, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously to create an emulsion.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for red wine vinegar to provide a bright acidity.
Can I substitute red wine vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a liquid sweetener alternative to honey.
Is this vinaigrette vegan?
As written, it contains honey. To make it vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave.
What kind of mustard should I use?
Dijon mustard is recommended as it helps emulsify the dressing and provides a sharp, sophisticated flavor.
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
You can, but Dijon is preferred for its superior emulsifying properties and more complex taste.
Why do I need to drizzle the olive oil slowly?
Slowly drizzling the oil while whisking allows the oil and vinegar to bond properly, creating a smooth, stable emulsion.
How long does this vinaigrette last?
It is best enjoyed within 3 days when stored in the refrigerator.
How should I store the leftover dressing?
Store any remaining dressing in a sealed container or glass jar in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this vinaigrette?
Freezing is not recommended as it can cause the emulsion to break and alter the texture.
What dishes pair well with this dressing?
It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, fresh green salads, and hearty grain bowls.
Is this vinaigrette gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Is this dressing healthy?
Yes, it uses heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and lacks the preservatives found in many store-bought dressings.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Absolutely. Adding a minced clove of fresh garlic or a pinch of garlic powder would enhance the savory profile.
What should I do if the dressing separates?
Separation is natural. Simply give the container a vigorous shake or a quick whisk before serving to recombine the ingredients.
Can I use a blender to make this?
Yes, using a blender or mini food processor can make the emulsification process even faster and more stable.
Why did my vinaigrette solidify in the fridge?
Extra virgin olive oil contains natural fats that solidify when chilled. This is normal and does not mean the dressing is bad.
How do I liquify the dressing after refrigeration?
Allow the container to sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes, then shake well.
Can I use ground coriander instead of cumin?
Coriander has a different, more floral and citrusy flavor, but it would still make a delicious dressing if you enjoy that spice.
Is this recipe spicy/hot?
No, it is spiced with cumin which provides warmth, but it contains no heat. You can add red pepper flakes if you want it spicy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 3/4 cup of dressing, which typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on use.
Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin?
You can, but extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor in raw preparations like vinaigrettes.
What can I use if I do not have ground cumin?
You could try ground caraway or a mild curry powder, though the flavor profile will shift significantly.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up very easily for larger batches or meal prepping.
Is this dressing good for grain bowls?
Yes, the earthy notes of the cumin make it an excellent choice for quinoa, farro, or brown rice bowls.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it works very well as a light marinade for chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas.
Does this dressing contain dairy?
No, this Spiced Honey Cumin Vinaigrette is entirely dairy-free.