Zesty Orange Tahini Vinaigrette
This vibrant and creamy Zesty Orange Tahini Vinaigrette brings a delightful twist to your salads and vegetable dishes. Inspired by a classic recipe from the 1995 Vegetarian Times Complete Cookbook, this dressing blends the nutty richness of tahini with the fresh zest of orange, the tang of balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness. It's perfect drizzled over grilled or roasted vegetables, mixed into grain salads, or used as a dip for fresh veggies. Elevate your meal with this simple yet flavorful dressing that packs a punch of nutrition and taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tahini
2 teaspoons (sesame paste)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (squeezed)
Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons
Water
1/2 cup
Orange
1 medium (peeled, sectioned, seeded)
Dry Mustard
1/2 teaspoon
Honey
2 teaspoons (or to taste)
Cayenne Pepper
1 dash (the smallest of dashes)
Ground Cumin
1 pinch
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, combine the tahini, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, water, orange sections, dry mustard, honey, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin.
2
Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional honey if needed.
3
Transfer the dressing to a jar or container for serving. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
4
Drizzle generously over your favorite grilled or roasted vegetables, or use as a dressing for vibrant salads.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Orange Tahini Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant and creamy dressing that blends the nutty richness of tahini with fresh orange, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include tahini, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, water, a medium orange, dry mustard, honey, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin.
How do I prepare the orange for this dressing?
The orange should be peeled, sectioned, and seeded before being added to the blender.
Can I make this vinaigrette in a blender?
Yes, you can use either a blender or a food processor to combine the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
While the recipe calls for honey, you can easily make it vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How long can I store the Zesty Orange Tahini Vinaigrette?
The dressing can be stored in a jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What should I serve with this dressing?
It is perfect for drizzling over grilled or roasted vegetables, mixing into grain salads, or using as a dip for fresh veggies.
How much tahini is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of tahini sesame paste.
Is this dressing spicy?
It has a very mild kick from a dash of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Yes, you can taste the mixture after blending and add additional honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Is there a specific cookbook this recipe is inspired by?
Yes, it is inspired by a classic recipe from the 1995 Vegetarian Times Complete Cookbook.
How much water do I need to add?
You should add 1/2 cup of water to help achieve the desired consistency.
What kind of mustard is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard.
Does this recipe use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, it requires 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the texture of this vinaigrette?
The texture is smooth and creamy due to the tahini and the blending process.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick and easy recipe since it primarily involves blending raw ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Can I use this as a dip?
Absolutely, its creamy consistency makes it an excellent dip for fresh vegetable crudites.
What spices are used in the dressing?
The dressing uses ground cumin and a dash of cayenne pepper for seasoning.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy as it uses whole food ingredients like tahini and fresh fruit.
Should I store the dressing at room temperature?
No, the dressing should be kept in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor works just as well to emulsify the ingredients.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for just 1 pinch of ground cumin.
Is the orange zest used?
While the description mentions zest, the instructions focus on blending the peeled and sectioned orange fruit itself.
What size orange should I use?
A medium-sized orange is recommended for the best balance of flavor.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (tahini, juice, vinegar, fruit, spices), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the dressing is done?
The dressing is ready when the mixture is completely smooth and all orange sections are fully blended.
Can I use bottled balsamic glaze?
The recipe specifies balsamic vinegar; a glaze might be too thick and sweet, altering the intended flavor profile.