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It's party time at The Café (wooo hooo!), and we're so excited. Can you tell? The celebration is for .... our little Emery Kate, who turned one year old this week. Little did we know that an ordinary day last March would bring such an extraordinary little blessing into our lives. We're having a birthday party for her on Saturday, and have invited family and friends.
We've been busy as little bees this week; cooking, cleaning and tidying up The Café. A party is such a wonderful motivation to get things in order, isn't it? And this part of the year is the perfect time to plan a festivity to welcome spring and chase away the winter doldrums. I tend to be a bit negligent about things around the house in the cold months, but the thought of Spring gets me organizing, cleaning out drawers and spiffing things up.
Our party for Emery is a brunch, as we have family that will be traveling from out of town. We'll be sharing more fun details in the days ahead (even a few really cool craft/decorating ideas), but I wanted to give you a sneak preview of the party with a delicious salad dressing we'll be serving at the this special event. I wanted something light and spring-like, so I tried a few concoctions before making the final decision on this delightful Strawberry, Grapefruit and Sweet Basil Vinaigrette.
It's sweet, tangy, fresh and bursting with bright flavor. It pairs well with so many ingredients. This dressing is delightful with baby spinach, strawberries, red onions and shredded roasted chicken breast (our dinner tonight). It would also be wonderful with ribbons of Romaine, diced mango, thinly sliced English cucumber and crumbled Gorgonzola. I'm also imagining it drizzled over grilled boneless chicken breast - delish! I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture; it's super versatile.
I've got a fun, Spring salad planned for the party, but that's a story (post) for another day. In the meantime, be sure to whip up a batch of this wonderful dressing - it won't take more than 10 minutes, and I think you'll see why we're so crazy about it. Stay tuned for more fun celebration ideas and recipes.
- ¾ cup fresh grapefruit juice from 1 fresh grapefruit
- 2 teaspoon grapefruit zest finely zested
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ cup canola oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper a generous grind
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Place grapefruit juice a medium size saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, uncovered, until mixture is reduced to about ⅓ cup, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
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When grapefruit juice has cooled, place in blender with zest, strawberries, garlic honey, rice vinegar and lime juice. Mix until well combined then transfer to a medium size jar and add oil in a slow, thin stream whisking continuously with a small whisk or a fork. Add chopped basil, sea salt and freshly ground pepper and stir. Keeps well for several days in the refrigerator.
Yolanda says
Was wondering if you strain the pulp from the grapefruit? I did when I made it and was curious if you strain it? So good!
Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Yolanda, I don't strain it. I don't think you'd see a difference. Just saves a little time.
Yolanda says
Chris thanks so much, you were absolutely right! Vinaigrette was thicker by adding the oil in the blender but still delicious! I made it again without adding the oil in the better and prefer it that way. Thanks for the tip. Getting ready to try the Sweet Basil Vinaigrette!
Thanks
Yolanda
Yolanda says
Hi Chris,
Can't wait to make this! Do you think I could and the oil in a stream on the blender?
Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Yolanda, you definitely can do that but the dressing will be more creamy and a lighter pink in color. The taste should be the same though!
peps says
Hello Chris!
I just made the dressing and.........i want to drink it!!!
It's delicious!!!!!
I would love to post it in my blog if it is ok with you!
Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Peps, of course you can post it!
Kim - Liv Life says
What a sweet photo of your sweet little one! The years pass quickly, don't they?
Ah... this dressing! I love all the flavors in it and it just screams spring. Which I'm fully embracing!! Happy birthday to the little one!!
stephanie says
Thanks so much for great spring recipe! My salad dressings were starting to get as old as this interminable winter, this was just the fix! It was delicious!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for letting me know Stephanie, I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
Yajaira says
Love your recipes, this one is easy and seems delicious.
How long do you think it could last at the refrigerator.?.
Tons of happiness to the beautiful baby girl.!
Chris Scheuer says
This will last 3-4 days without any problem, maybe longer but I haven't tried it.
Debra says
Beautiful dressing for a perfect birthday brunch for a beautiful and perfect little girl,
Chocolate Shavings says
I love fruity vinaigrettes like this one -- a perfect way to brighten any salad. And the photo of that baby girl is beautiful!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love this vinaigrette for spring salads, so pretty! Happy Birthday to Emery! 🙂
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
Cute baby:) Delicious vinaigrette with strawberry.
Sandra says
Time flies when you're having fun! Hard to believe it's been a year already since Emery was born. Looking forward to hearing about the party and trying this dressing. My girls are big basil fans and I know they will love it.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
What a lovely salad dressing. I can't wait to see the cake that the birthday girl gets. 🙂