new orleans soaked salad dressing recipe
Try this flavorful New Orleans Soaked Salad Dressing recipe! Bold spices and tangy goodness elevate any dish. Perfect for salads and grilled meats.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Olive Oil
- Olive oil serves as the base of this dressing adding a smooth, rich texture. It’s mild enough to let the other ingredients shine, but it also helps balance the acidity of the vinegar. If you're out of olive oil, avocado oil can also work well for a light, neutral flavor.
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- This is the key to achieving the perfect level of tanginess. Apple cider vinegar gives the dressing a bright slightly fruity taste. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar is a great substitute for a sharper note.
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- Dijon mustard is essential for emulsifying the dressing and creating a creamy consistency. Plus it adds a mild sharpness that complements the tang from the vinegar, making the dressing more flavorful and complex.
1 tablespoon Honey
- A little honey goes a long way in balancing the dressing's acidity. Its natural sweetness brings harmony to the spices and vinegar making this dressing the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness!
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Garlic powder adds depth and savory richness without the strong bite of fresh garlic. It melds seamlessly into the dressing providing an aromatic foundation that ties all the flavors together.
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Like garlic powder onion powder contributes a subtle sweetness and savory layer that enhances the other spices. It’s the perfect complement to the garlic powder for a well-rounded flavor.
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Smoked paprika is what gives this dressing its signature warmth and depth. It imparts a smoky flavor that elevates the dressing providing an earthy note that pairs beautifully with the tangy vinegar and sweet honey.
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- For that extra kick cayenne pepper adds heat without overpowering the other flavors. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount, but if you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add more to suit your taste!
1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
- Creole seasoning is what truly brings the essence of New Orleans to the table. Packed with herbs paprika, garlic, and other spices, it infuses the dressing with a bold, zesty flavor. If you don’t have Creole seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and thyme.
1 tablespoon Hot Sauce (optional)
- Hot sauce is optional but it’s a great addition for those who like their dressing with a little more heat and tang. A few dashes will enhance the flavor without overwhelming the taste. If you prefer a milder version, feel free to skip it.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme, or Basil)
- Fresh herbs add color freshness, and a touch of brightness to the dressing. Parsley is a great choice, but you can use thyme or basil for a different twist. The fresh herbs help to cut through the richness and give the dressing a refreshing finish.
Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Salt and pepper are your essential final seasonings. A pinch of salt helps bring out all the flavors while freshly cracked black pepper adds a little spice and enhances the overall taste. Don’t forget to taste and adjust!
Instructions
Step 1: Start with the Base Ingredients
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. The olive oil creates a smooth, velvety base, while the apple cider vinegar adds a tangy sharpness that’s key to this dressing’s bright flavor.
Step 2: Add Sweetness and Creaminess
- Next, add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon honey to the bowl. The Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a creamy texture, while the honey balances the acidity from the vinegar with just the right amount of sweetness. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Spice It Up
- Here’s where the magic happens! Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. These spices bring warmth and depth to the dressing. Then, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. If you like your dressing with more of a kick, feel free to increase the cayenne to your liking.
Step 4: Bring in the Creole Flavors
- Now for the New Orleans touch: add 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning. This seasoning blend typically contains garlic, onion, paprika, and cayenne, making it perfect for this dressing. Stir it in well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Optional Heat with Hot Sauce
- If you want to take the heat up a notch, add 1 tablespoon hot sauce. This is optional but highly recommended if you love that extra spicy bite. The hot sauce gives the dressing a little more zing, which pairs beautifully with the rest of the flavors.
Step 6: Freshen Up with Herbs
- Finely chop some fresh parsley, thyme, or basil about 1 tablespoon each and stir them into the dressing. These fresh herbs not only add color and texture but also bring a refreshing note that brightens up the rich, savory base.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
- Before finishing, take a moment to taste your dressing. If it needs more sweetness, add a little more honey. If you’d like it tangier, splash in a little more vinegar. Remember, you’re crafting the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy, so adjust to your taste.
Step 8: Let It Soak
- For maximum flavor, let your dressing sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—or even better, overnight. This gives the spices and herbs time to soak in and meld together, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- There you have it! Your New Orleans Soaked Salad Dressing is ready to rock. Drizzle it over a crisp salad, use it to marinate chicken, or pour it on roasted veggies for a punch of flavor. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg