Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year! It’s all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food. A good dressing can make or break a salad, and trust me, this *thanksgiving salad dressing* is a game changer. It’s simple yet bursting with flavor, making it the perfect complement to your holiday spread. I love how it brings together the crunch of fresh greens, the sweetness of roasted veggies, and that lovely tang from the apple cider vinegar. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Just a few ingredients and a quick whisk, and you’re all set to elevate your Thanksgiving feast. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup olive oil – This will be the base of your dressing, adding richness and a lovely smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – This gives your dressing that tangy kick we all love, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Adds a hint of spice and depth, making the dressing feel gourmet.
- 1 tablespoon honey – A touch of sweetness to round out the tanginess; you can adjust this to your taste!
- 1 clove garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that takes this dressing to the next level.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in your dressing.
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. This is where all the magic will happen!
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of olive oil and the 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Now, it’s time to whisk! I like to use a whisk to really emulsify the oil and vinegar together, but a fork works in a pinch too.
- Next, add in 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the minced garlic. This is where your dressing starts to get its personality! The mustard and honey will add a lovely balance of flavors.
- Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with a pinch of each and then adjust later. It’s all about finding that perfect flavor!
- Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and the dressing looks smooth and cohesive. You want to see a nice emulsion forming!
- Finally, drizzle this gorgeous dressing over your salad and give it a good toss to coat all the greens evenly. Trust me, it’s going to be so good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: It only takes about 10 minutes to whip up this dressing, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities!
- Simple ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a flavor-packed dressing you’ll make again and again.
- Versatile for various salads: Whether it’s a classic green salad, roasted vegetable medley, or even a grain salad, this dressing works beautifully!
- Adds great flavor to Thanksgiving meals: The perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory, it elevates your Thanksgiving spread to a whole new level!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving salad dressing* turns out just right, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by!
- Whisk with enthusiasm: When you’re whisking the oil and vinegar together, really put some elbow grease into it! A good, vigorous whisk helps to create a lovely emulsion, which is what you want for that smooth, creamy texture.
- Taste as you go: Don’t be shy! Once you’ve mixed everything, taste your dressing before serving. If it leans too tangy, add a bit more honey; if it needs a kick, a little more mustard does wonders. Remember, it’s all about balancing those flavors to your liking!
- Keep it fresh: If you make a batch ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to a week! Just remember to give it a good shake or whisk before using again to re-emulsify.
- Customize your seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices! A pinch of dried oregano or thyme can add another layer of flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are plenty of fun variations to try with this *thanksgiving salad dressing*! Here are some ideas to get your creativity flowing:
- Different vinegars: Swap out the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a deeper, sweeter flavor. Red wine vinegar also works beautifully for a sharper taste.
- Herb-infused goodness: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill to give your dressing a fresh kick! Just chop them finely and mix them in.
- Spicy twist: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. It’ll give your dressing a delightful kick that pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies.
- Citrusy zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a bright and refreshing twist. The citrus will really brighten up the dressing and add a lovely aroma.
- Nuts and seeds: Blend in some finely chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for a little crunch and extra texture. They’ll add a nice earthy flavor that complements the dressing beautifully.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature dressing that your family will love! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to get creative with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious *thanksgiving salad dressing* is a breeze! If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it, because it’s so good!), simply pour the dressing into an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, so you can enjoy it with salads throughout the week!
When you’re ready to use it again, just remember to give it a good shake or whisk before serving. The ingredients may separate a bit as they sit, but that’s totally normal! A quick shake will bring it back to its glorious, emulsified state. If you find it’s thickened up a bit too much, you can add a splash of water or a bit more olive oil to loosen it up. Enjoy every drop!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for this delicious *thanksgiving salad dressing*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients or brands used, but this should give you a good idea!
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 0g
This dressing is not only tasty but also a lovely addition to your Thanksgiving meal that won’t weigh you down. Enjoy every flavorful bite while knowing you’re adding a burst of goodness to your salads!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil?
Absolutely! While olive oil is my go-to for this *thanksgiving salad dressing*, you can substitute it with avocado oil or even a light flavored oil like grapeseed. Just keep in mind that different oils will alter the flavor slightly, so choose one you love!
How long can I store the dressing?
You can store your *thanksgiving salad dressing* in the refrigerator for up to a week! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. The flavors might deepen as it sits, which can be a delightful surprise!
Can I make this dressing in advance?
Definitely! Making it a day or two ahead of time can actually enhance the flavors as they meld together. Just give it a good shake or whisk before serving to re-emulsify.
What can I serve this dressing with?
This dressing is super versatile! It’s fantastic on fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or even grain salads. You can drizzle it over a quinoa salad or use it as a dip for raw veggies—yum!
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can use yellow mustard in a pinch, though it will be a bit milder. You could also try a bit of mayonnaise for creaminess or skip it altogether if you prefer a simpler flavor.
Thanksgiving Salad Dressing That Transforms Your Feast
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dressing for your Thanksgiving salad.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
- Add Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Drizzle over your salad and toss to coat.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Shake well before using.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving salad dressing
