Sweet and Savory Cranberry Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this delightful Sweet and Savory Cranberry Vinaigrette. A perfect blend of tart cranberry juice and sweet dried cranberries creates a uniquely delicious dressing that pairs wonderfully with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade for grilled meats. Enhanced with the aromatic flavors of shallot and fresh thyme, this vinaigrette will add a burst of flavor to any dish. Easy to make and absolutely delightful, it's the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
10
Servings
120
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberry Juice
1/4 cup (none)
Dried Cranberries
1/4 cup (none)
Raspberry Vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Shallot
1 (peeled and roughly chopped)
Garlic Clove
1 (peeled)
Fresh Thyme
2 teaspoons (leaves only)
Dijon Mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
3/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cranberry juice and dried cranberries. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave on high until the mixture is hot, about 1 minute.
2
Transfer the hot cranberry mixture to a blender and add raspberry vinegar, shallot, garlic, thyme, Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
3
Blend the mixture on high speed for about 15 seconds or until the shallot and garlic are finely chopped.
4
With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil and continue blending until the vinaigrette is smooth and fully emulsified, about 15 seconds.
5
Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
6
Store the cranberry vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and shake well before serving.
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
3g
Carbs
0.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Savory Cranberry Vinaigrette?
It is a delightful salad dressing that blends tart cranberry juice and sweet dried cranberries with aromatic shallot, garlic, and fresh thyme for a unique flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 120 calories, 13.5g of fat, 3g of carbohydrates, and 0.3g of protein.
How do I soften the dried cranberries for the dressing?
Combine the dried cranberries with cranberry juice in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for about 1 minute until hot.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe calls for raspberry vinegar to complement the fruit flavors.
Can I use a different oil than extra-virgin olive oil?
While extra-virgin olive oil provides the best flavor, you could use a neutral oil like avocado oil if preferred.
How do I ensure the vinaigrette is properly emulsified?
With the blender running on high, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves.
Is it necessary to use a blender?
Yes, a blender is required to finely chop the aromatics and create a smooth, emulsified texture.
How should the shallot be prepared?
The shallot should be peeled and roughly chopped before being added to the blender.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Yes, this vinaigrette works wonderfully as a marinade for grilled meats.
How should I store the leftover vinaigrette?
Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Do I need to do anything before serving stored dressing?
Yes, you should shake the container well before serving as some separation may occur.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
The sweetness comes naturally from the dried cranberries and cranberry juice rather than added granulated sugar.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
One peeled garlic clove is used for the entire batch.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste and adjusting after blending.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, fresh, homemade dressing option.
What salads go well with this dressing?
It pairs perfectly with mixed greens and roasted vegetable salads.
How long does it take to blend the aromatics?
It takes about 15 seconds on high speed to finely chop the shallot and garlic.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
The recipe is specifically designed for dried cranberries; fresh cranberries would be much more tart and require a different preparation.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data indicates the fiber content is negligible.
Is this vinaigrette vegan?
Yes, all ingredients used (cranberries, juice, vinegar, oil, aromatics, and mustard) are vegan-friendly.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It is a balance of sweet and savory with a tart cranberry finish.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, you can use about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of dried thyme as a substitute.
What is the total preparation time?
The preparation is very fast, involving roughly 1 minute of microwaving and about 30-45 seconds of blending.
Does the dressing contain cholesterol?
No, this vinaigrette is cholesterol-free.
How much raspberry vinegar is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of raspberry vinegar.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that can be made quickly with a blender.