Ditch the Ranch: Five Awesome Salad Dressings and Vegetable Toppers

Creamy Avocado Dressing: Photo Courtesy of The Well Seasoned Cook

Vegetables are not boring. They are numerous, complex, exciting food items with a lot to give. (They also enjoy long walks on the beach and sharing their feelings......)

But, coming from a home where the only vegetables making an appearance at dinnertime were microwaved frozen vegetables slathered in butter or unadorned baby carrots, I can see how they might get a reputation for being a bit tedious.

The solution? Dressing, of course! But not necessarily the kind of dressing of which you might be thinking. Forget the heavy ranch and thousand islands. Experimenting with vegetable sauces and seasonings offers foodies an infinite amount of gastronomical variety. Thrilling, right!?

The following recipes are some of my favorite dressings, and will help you take your veggie side dishes to the next level. Even the carnivore in your life is bound to enjoy the interesting tastes and textures these condiments bring to all kinds of veggies.

I. Walnut-Miso Paste

Taste Profile: Nutty, Savory

Pairs Well With: Steamed or blanched vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and string beans, as well as roasted vegetables like beets, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. This recipe was Anglicized from a similar recipe on Just Bento.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts
• 1 tablespoon Red or White Miso Paste (like Miso Master Organic Miso Paste)
• 1 tablespoon sherry or other sweet liquor (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions:

1. Dry-roast the walnuts in a shallow pan over medium heat, stirring until they start to brown and become fragrant.
2. Remove walnuts from heat and allow to cool. (Optional step: wrap walnuts in a paper towel and rub them together until most of the skin comes off - this step allows the nutty flavor to really shine through).
3. Place the walnuts in a food processor or a magic bullet and blend until they are finely crushed.
4. Combine the miso paste, liquor (if using), and sugar in a small bowl. Add the walnuts and mix until well combined.
5. Paste can be stored in an air-tight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.

II. Spicy Orange-Ginger Dressing

Taste Profile: Tangy, Sweet, Spicy

Pairs Well With: Strongly flavored vegetables and fruits like bell pepper, green onion, pineapple, and pear, as well as dried fruits like apricots and cranberries.

Ingredients:

• 1/4  cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or magic bullet. Blend until smooth.
2. Dressing can be stored in an air-tight container up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

III. Warm Maple Dressing

Taste Profile: Sweet, Savory

Pairs Well With: Soft leafy greens, in addition to strong and smoked cheeses like gorgonzola, blue cheese, and smoked Gouda.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a medium sauce pan heat the olive oil on low heat. Add the shallot, and cook until translucent.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar and maple syrup, and bring to a boil.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.  

IV. Creamy Avocado Dressing

Taste Profile: Savory, Spicy

Pairs Well With: Leafy vegetables, strong flavored vegetables, and features well in chopped salads

Ingredients:

• 1 medium avocado, pit removed and sliced (make sure it’s ripe!) 
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (lemon also works)
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon non-fat yogurt
• Dash cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place garlic and avocado in a blender, and blend.
2. Add the lime juice, olive oil, yogurt, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Continue to blend until smooth.
3. Serve immediately – it’s delicious but also highly perishable.

V. Lemon Honey Tahini Dressing

Taste Profile: Tangy, Sweet, Nutty
Pairs Well With: Mild vegetables like cucumber, citrus fruit, nuts. This recipe can also be used as a sauce for grain dishes like couscous and rice pilaf

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw tahini
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
•  tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.
2. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.  

Enjoy!