Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Orange Ginger Miso Dressing?
It is a vibrant, Asian-inspired salad dressing made with mandarin oranges, savory white miso, fresh ginger, and shallots.
How many calories are in this dressing?
This recipe contains 150 calories in total for the full batch.
Is this dressing vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients including miso and soy sauce are plant-based, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include canned mandarin orange segments, fresh ginger, white miso, shallots, and low sodium soy sauce.
Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely mince the ginger and shallot by hand and then whisk all the ingredients together vigorously.
How should I store the leftover dressing?
Pour the dressing into an airtight container and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to use it.
What is the fat content of this dressing?
This dressing is very low in fat, containing only 1.5 grams per recipe.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
There are 22.5 grams of sugar, which primarily comes from the mandarin orange segments and their juice.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh mandarin or orange segments and fresh juice for the canned version.
What type of miso is recommended?
The recipe calls for white miso, which provides a mild and slightly sweet savory flavor.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
As written with soy sauce, it may contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari and ensure your miso paste is certified gluten-free.
What should I do if the dressing is too thick?
You can easily adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of additional water until it reaches your desired thickness.
What vegetables pair well with this dressing?
It pairs exceptionally well with fresh spinach, mixed greens, and various Asian-inspired salad components.
How much ginger is needed?
The recipe requires approximately 2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped.
Can I use red miso instead?
You can, but keep in mind that red miso has a much stronger, saltier flavor than white miso.
How much protein does it contain?
This dressing provides 3 grams of protein per recipe.
Does the recipe use oil?
No, this is an oil-free dressing recipe, relying on the miso and orange juice for body and flavor.
What is the amount of dietary fiber?
The dressing contains 1.5 grams of dietary fiber.
Can I substitute the shallot?
If you don't have a shallot, you can use a tablespoon of finely minced red onion or the white part of a green onion.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for a hint of savory depth.
How much orange zest is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest to add extra brightness.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, its savory and citrus profile makes it an excellent marinade for tofu, chicken, or seafood.
How long does it take to prepare?
It takes only a few minutes to peel, chop, and blend the ingredients together.
Are the carbohydrates high?
The recipe contains 33 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from the natural sugars in the fruit.
Should I peel the ginger?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling the fresh ginger before chopping and blending.
Can I use dried ginger instead?
Fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you could use a smaller amount of ground ginger.
Is the sodium content high?
While the exact sodium count isn't listed, using low sodium soy sauce helps keep the salt levels lower.
Can I freeze this dressing?
Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture; it is best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator.
Does it contain any cholesterol?
No, this plant-based dressing is naturally cholesterol-free.