Orange and Poppy Seed Dressing

This vibrant and tangy **Orange and Poppy Seed Dressing** adds a burst of sunshine to any salad. The fresh orange juice brings a citrusy freshness, while the poppy seeds add a delightful crunch to each bite. A touch of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This dressing can also be used as a marinade for chicken or tofu, making it versatile for a variety of dishes. The olive oil lends a smooth texture and rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for those who enjoy simple and fresh ingredients. The dressing not only enhances the flavor of your salads but also adds an elegant touch to your dining experience. Whether you’re entertaining guests or making a quick weekday meal, this dressing will surely impress. Ideal for those who appreciate a hint of sweetness and acidity, this recipe is a keeper for salad lovers.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1 pinch salt

Preparation Time

Total Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Start by preparing the fresh orange juice. You’ll need about 2-3 medium-sized oranges to yield 1/2 cup of juice. Squeeze the juice over a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp and seeds.
In a medium-sized bowl or a large measuring cup, pour the fresh orange juice as the base for your dressing.
Add the extra virgin olive oil to the orange juice. Use a whisk to blend the two together briefly.
Measure 1-2 tablespoons of honey, depending on your preference for sweetness versus acidity. If your oranges are particularly sweet, you might prefer less honey.
Add the white wine vinegar to the mix. The vinegar will add a sharp, tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness, so adjust to taste.
Stir in the poppy seeds for texture. They add a pleasant crunch and an interesting visual element to your dressing.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the honey dissolves.
Once all ingredients are combined, give the mixture a quick taste test. Adjust sweetness or acidity if necessary by adding more honey or vinegar.
For a smoother consistency, you might transfer the dressing to a blender and process it for 15-20 seconds.
Cover the dressing and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together well.
Before serving, give the dressing another quick stir or shake if using a jar.
Drizzle over your favorite salad greens, using approximately 2 tablespoons per serving.
If using as a marinade, coat your selected protein thoroughly and allow it to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
For a more herbaceous variation, consider adding a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh basil or mint.
Store any leftover dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to a week.
Before each use, ensure to give it a good shake or stir, as the oil may separate.
For an added twist, consider grating a bit of fresh ginger to the dressing.
Try this dressing with a salad of mixed greens, sliced fennel, and orange segments for a refreshing combination.
It also pairs elegantly with salads containing nuts or grilled chicken.
Enjoy the zesty and slightly sweet notes that this dressing brings to your meals.

Tips

Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan variant.
Adjust vinegar to taste for more pronounced acidity.
Shake well before serving if stored in the fridge as oil may solidify.

Nutritions

Calories: 120 per serving
Protein: 0g
Fats: 11g
Carbs: 6g

Variations

Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic touch.
Use balsamic vinegar instead of white wine vinegar for a deeper flavor.
Mix with Greek yogurt for a creamy dressing option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over mixed greens with sliced apples and walnuts.
Use as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu.
Drizzle over roasted vegetables for added flavor.

Best Places

Café Central - Known for their exquisite salads with house-made dressings. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Le Bernardin - Offers a luxurious dining experience with a famous seafood salad featuring house vinaigrettes. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
The Ledbury - Features seasonal salads with unique dressings. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London, UK.
El Club Allard - Renowned for elegant presentation and creative dressings. Location: Calle de Ferraz, 2, Madrid, Spain.
Arzak - Pioneers in molecular gastronomy with their innovative salads. Location: Av. Alcalde Elosegui, 273, San Sebastián, Spain.
Noma - Famous for its foraged ingredients and unique dressings. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Quay - Known for remarkable salads with distinctive dressings. Location: Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia.
Gaggan - Celebrated for their inventive cuisine including unique salad combinations. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
Alinea - Offers sophisticated molecular presentations with unexpected flavors. Location: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, USA.
Osteria Francescana - Presents traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, including divine dressings. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.