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Do you get tired of the same-old-same-old salads?
There are lots of things that get to be mundane to me after a while, but salad does NOT fall into that category. In fact, I have the opposite problem. Set me loose at the farmer's market, a street market or in the produce section of my favorite grocery and I come away with my mind spinning; a zillion ideas for new salad creations.
And salad dressings? Same scenario. This one was inspired by a quick run into the grocery store. As soon as I entered, I spotted a huge bin of clementines with large bags of clementines for a super great price. It was the first sale I'd seen on them this season and that's all it took to get the gears going. An inspiration for a new salad dressing was brewing.
It didn't take long, after I arrived home, to tear open the bag of clementines and start puttering. My first thought was that ginger would pair nicely with the bright, fresh citrus. I also pulled out honey, garlic and coriander and started working...
I decided to make it super simple, I basically just threw everything except the oil in the blender and pushed the puree button until it was smooth and well blended. Then a slow drizzle of olive oil helped emulsify the dressing and make it creamy and silky smooth. That's all there is to it!
I tested out this Clementine Ginger Salad Dressing on family and friends over the weekend and got a thumbs up from everyone who tried it. It would be great on any fall/winter salad. I also drizzled it over pan-seared salmon for a easy and delicious entree. I think I'll try chicken next.
Now it's your turn. Whip up a batch and have some fun!
P.S. Check back Friday for a wonderful salad using this dressing. There's a sneak preview of it in the first photo - it's vibrant, healthy and delicious. Oh, and the recipe includes a crunchy topping that's so good you'll find yourself eating it like candy!
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- finely grated zest of two clementines
- 3 tablespoons fresh clementine juice about 2 clementines
- 2 ½ tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh ginger
- 1 medium clove garlic peeled
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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Combine all ingredients except olive oil in a blender container. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
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With blender running, slowly drizzle in olive oil. To prevent dressing from spattering all over, cover the top of the blender with plastic wrap. Push down on plastic wrap so it droops a bit then place lid on blender with center cap removed. Take a wooden skewer or toothpick and poke several holes in plastic wrap. Slowly drizzle oil through opening in blender cover onto plastic wrap. Oil will seep through the holes. When all oil has been incorporated, remove blender cap and plastic wrap and transfer dressing to a storage container. Taste and season if needed with more salt and freshly ground pepper.
Claire Van Allen says
Just tried this dressing on mixed greens, blueberries, strawberries pine nuts and again another win. Thank you for sharing
Chris Scheuer says
That sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Claire!
Ina says
Thank you for posting this recipe. Instead of rice vinegar, can we use other types e.g. apple.cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar or plain old white vinegar? Thanks.
Chris Scheuer says
Hello Ina! Yes, I think other kinds of vinegar would work fine. Apple cider would be wonderful, as would white wine vinegar. The only one I probably wouldn't use would be balsamic, just because you would lose the pretty color of the dressing although, that being said, white balsamic would be delicious.
Danielle says
This is the nicest dressing I have had in a long time. Fresh, zingy. It lifted my salad out of the ordinary. This is the first recipe I have tried from this site, and if this is any indication of quality and deliciousness, won't be the last. Thank you for a beautiful dressing recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you so much for your comment Danielle! And welcome to The Café! Come back often!
Gayann O'Neal says
I made this salad several times...some thought the kale was too bitter, so will sub spinach for a dinner party next friday...the dressing and salad ingredients will go well with spinach I think...wonderful meld of flavors, and my foodie guests will be as impressed as I was,Im sure!
Carolyn says
Where is the "heart" in this recipe to click on to save in Recipe Box?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Carolyn,
You may not have read this but sadly, Ziplist is going out of business.
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
I love to see the posts with homemade salad dressings! Your dressing is very unique and looks lovely! Would be great on just about any fresh salad!
PJ says
A bout an hour ago I happened to stumble on to your blog and I have fallen in love with it! So many wonderful goodies! Keep blogging, I promise to keep reading!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you PJ and welcome to The Café!
Juliana says
This dressing sounds and looks delicious, I like the citrus clementine with the ginger...beautiful color as well.
Thanks for the recipe Chris...hope you are having a great week 🙂
Suzy @ The Mediterranean Dish says
Wonderful flavor combination! I always use lime, lemon or orange in my salad dressings. But clementines!!!! Did not think of that one! PINNED!
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Wow! What a great idea for a salad dressing. Perfect for us, too -- this time of the year we always have clementines on hand (it's our usual breakfast fruit while it's in season). Really nice -- thanks.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
I agree with you, Chris! Salad dressings can make all the difference... I have to try this one with fall vegetables and fruits.
TheKitchenLioness says
Chris, what a wonderful fresh and citrussy dressing for these wintry salads - and there are many of them these days! Bright, healthy, and flavorful - all we want from our salad dressing!
Great recipe - looking forward to Friday´s salad,
Andrea
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
These days I am obsessed with pumpkin dressing...but time for a change! Your dressing sounds and looks great with the flavour combo, Chris.
Danae Sintilas says
Hi Chris, this looks yummy I can't wait to try it, thanks for all the wonderful recipes...
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Danae, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.
Ginny Hartzler says
This is a new one to me, but I love clementines! And this looks light and beyond fresh!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
I looooove the flavor combo in this dressing, I see a fabulous salad coming!
Linda says
I don't see honey or an amount listed, was it omitted on final version?
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks. Corrected! 🙂
Maureen says
In the summer I rarely get tired of salads. The crunch, it's cool and it's delicious. It's going to be over 85F here today so it's a salad day again. I think we'd both love this dressing.
cheri says
Hi Chris, Ooohh, another one of your fabulous dressings! love the color, sounds delicious!
mary says
Just recently found your blog and love all your recipes. Love the cruet the dressing is in, would love to have one.
Is it still available?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Mary, I wish I could tell you where to find one but I found this at a yard sale. 🙁
Cuisinedeprovence says
I can just taste it - fresh, zingy and delicious!
sue/the view from great island says
You've got my number with this one, Chris! I've been stalking the produce aisles for citrus...this is such a clever combination and it has such a pretty look, too.
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
Can't wait to see that finished salad! That dressing sounds absolutely delicious, Chris!