Zesty Cumin Citrus Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this vibrant Zesty Cumin Citrus Vinaigrette that combines the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice and sherry vinegar with the warm, earthy notes of ground cumin. This versatile dressing is perfect for enhancing bean, egg, and grain salads, or adding a refreshing zing to both cooked and raw carrot salads. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, it brings a delightful taste to your favorite dishes, encouraging healthy eating without compromising on taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
sherry wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon (choose one)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
salt
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon (none)
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, start by whisking together the fresh lemon juice, sherry wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar), minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2
Gradually add in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to create an emulsion, which will give the dressing a smooth and creamy texture.
3
Season with freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
4
For a lighter version, replace the olive oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil mixed with 4 tablespoons of plain nonfat yogurt or 5 tablespoons of low-fat buttermilk, adding 1 tablespoon of water or more if needed. Whisk until fully combined.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cumin Citrus Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant salad dressing that combines fresh lemon juice and sherry vinegar with the warm, earthy notes of ground cumin.
What types of salads go well with this dressing?
This vinaigrette is perfect for bean, egg, grain, and both cooked or raw carrot salads.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
You should use one garlic clove that has been finely minced.
What are the recommended vinegar options?
The recipe suggests using either sherry wine vinegar or champagne vinegar.
How much ground cumin is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin for this recipe.
What is the role of Dijon mustard in the vinaigrette?
Dijon mustard adds a sharp flavor and helps to emulsify the oil and vinegar into a smooth mixture.
How do I create a smooth emulsion?
Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Can I make a low-fat version of this dressing?
Yes, you can replace most of the olive oil with plain nonfat yogurt or low-fat buttermilk for a lighter version.
What is the ratio for the yogurt-based variation?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil mixed with 4 tablespoons of plain nonfat yogurt and water as needed.
Is this vinaigrette suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dressing is entirely vegetarian.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
The standard olive oil version is vegan, though the light variation using yogurt or buttermilk is not.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe recommends between 1/8 and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, depending on your taste.
Does it require fresh lemon juice?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this dressing good for carrot salads?
Absolutely, it adds a refreshing zing to both cooked and raw carrot salads.
How much olive oil is used in the standard recipe?
The standard version of the recipe uses 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use buttermilk instead of yogurt for the light version?
Yes, you can use 5 tablespoons of low-fat buttermilk in place of the yogurt and oil mixture.
What should I do if the light dressing is too thick?
You can add 1 tablespoon of water or more until you reach your desired consistency.
Does this dressing contain any sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this vinaigrette recipe.
Is this dressing appropriate for grain salads?
Yes, the earthy cumin notes make it an excellent choice for various grain-based salads.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, cumin, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and black pepper.
Is this a healthy dressing choice?
Yes, it is designed to encourage healthy eating by using fresh ingredients and healthy fats.
What if I don't have sherry vinegar?
Champagne vinegar is a great alternative that provides a similar bright acidity.
How do I season the final product?
Finish the dressing by adding freshly ground black pepper according to your personal preference.
Is the preparation time long?
No, it is simple to make by whisking all ingredients together in a single mixing bowl.
Can I use this for egg salads?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a way to elevate the flavor of egg salads.
What is the flavor profile of this vinaigrette?
The profile is zesty and tangy with warm, earthy undertones from the cumin.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
With only one minced clove, the garlic provides a savory backbone without being overpowering.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a blender to mix this?
While whisking works well, you can use a blender to ensure a very stable emulsion.
How should I store leftover dressing?
Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator and whisk or shake it before serving again.