Tropical Peanut Dressing
This Tropical Peanut Dressing combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet tang of pineapple-orange juice. Perfect for drizzling over fresh green salads, tossing with chilled noodles, or serving as a delicious dipping sauce for spring rolls and veggies. The addition of fresh ginger and garlic gives it a zesty kick, while the option to use crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture. Easy to whip up and incredibly versatile, this dressing will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
2
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
peanut butter
1/4 cup (smooth or crunchy, as per preference)
pineapple-orange juice
1 cup (fresh or bottled)
soy sauce
4 tablespoons (low-sodium if desired)
grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (peeled and finely grated)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
chopped green onions
3 tablespoons (fresh)
additional pineapple-orange juice
1/2-1 cup (for adjusting consistency)
Instructions
1
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 cup of pineapple-orange juice for 1 minute or until warm.
2
Add the heated juice to the peanut butter in a mixing bowl and stir until well combined and the peanut butter is smooth.
3
Incorporate the soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and chopped green onions into the peanut butter mixture. Stir until all ingredients are smoothly blended.
4
Gradually add additional pineapple-orange juice, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency for the dressing.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce or cayenne pepper if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
35g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Peanut Dressing?
It is a rich, nutty dressing that combines peanut butter with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple-orange juice, fresh ginger, and garlic.
What does Tropical Peanut Dressing taste like?
It has a creamy, savory peanut base balanced by tropical sweetness from the juice and a zesty kick from fresh ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper.
Is this dressing vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like peanut butter, juice, and aromatics.
Is Tropical Peanut Dressing gluten-free?
The recipe is gluten-free as long as you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
You can use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter depending on your preference for texture.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely. Using crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture to the dressing.
How do I make the dressing smooth?
Warming the pineapple-orange juice before mixing it with the peanut butter helps it blend into a smooth consistency.
What can I serve with this dressing?
It is perfect for fresh green salads, chilled noodle dishes, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls and fresh vegetables.
How long does this dressing last?
You can store this dressing in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I use regular orange juice instead of pineapple-orange juice?
Yes, you can substitute with regular orange juice, though the flavor profile will be slightly less tropical.
How do I adjust the thickness of the dressing?
You can add additional pineapple-orange juice a few tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the cayenne pepper and fresh ginger, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes.
How do I reduce the sodium in this recipe?
You can use a low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?
While fresh ginger provides the best flavor, you can use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger if necessary.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving of this dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 2 servings.
Do I need a blender to make this?
No, you only need a microwave-safe bowl for heating the juice and a mixing bowl to stir the ingredients together.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, this flavorful mixture would work well as a marinade for chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used as alternatives, though it will change the flavor profile.
Is this dressing suitable for a Paleo diet?
Standard peanut butter is not Paleo-friendly, but you can make a Paleo version by substituting almond butter and coconut aminos.
Should I serve this dressing warm or cold?
It can be served immediately while still slightly warm or chilled from the refrigerator.
Does the dressing thicken in the fridge?
Yes, peanut-based dressings tend to thicken when cold. You may need to stir in a little water or juice before serving leftovers.
Can I omit the green onions?
Yes, if you do not like onions, you can leave them out without affecting the base texture.
How much fat is in this dressing?
One serving contains approximately 16g of fat, primarily from the peanut butter.
How much protein does this dressing provide?
Each serving provides about 8g of protein.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced?
The recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove, which is best for even distribution of flavor.
Is this dressing soy-free?
No, it contains soy sauce. To make it soy-free, use coconut aminos instead.
Can I use this for a Thai-style salad?
Yes, the flavors of peanut, ginger, and garlic make it an excellent choice for Thai-inspired dishes.
How much juice is needed for the base?
You start with 1 cup of juice and can add up to another cup to reach your preferred thickness.