Sweet Citrus & Onion Dressing
I L-O-V-E a great salad dressing! My husband is a bit more of a single favorite type of guy but me...I love them all. One of my favorites has always been sweet onion dressing.
Within the past few months, I have been on a mission. I am making everything that I can from home and almost eliminating my family's need for pre-packaged foods. You may ask why, call me crazy, or say that it isn't doable but I assure you that it is a much healthier way of eating and is totally doable. We are by no means perfect and do eat out every now and again but for the most part....Its whole foods and home cooking! That doesn't mean that we are eating chicken and dumplings or stews every night...it actually means we are eating fantastic tasting "faux gourmet" foods. So armed with a few of my favorite websites and a basic kitchen knowledge....I am making everything imaginable.
WHY?
My new eating philosophy does not include things that I can not spell, pronounce, or that do not occur naturally. I figure that my grandmother never would have bought dressings and sauces so why should I. She would grow all of her own fruits and veggies then create and can! If she could do it...I can too!
Here is the label to one of my favorite dressings. This isn't my exact brand but it beautifully illustrates my point.
Ingredients: VINEGAR, SUGAR, WATER, SOYBEAN OIL,
VIDALIA ONIONS (13%), RED BELL PEPPERS, SALT, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2%
DRIED GARLIC, PROPYLENE GLYCOL ALGINATE, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE,
MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, XANTHAN GUM, ARTIFICIAL COLOR, POLYSORBATE 60,
SPICE, NATURAL FLAVOR, VITAMIN E.Size: 16 OZ
Upc: 2100002018
Do you know what Propylene Glycol Alginate is? If not, you can check out this link at wise geek. It is a relative to antifreeze (please note that I did not say it IS...simply a relative). It is used as a food stabilizer and emulisfier and the good news is that it also inhibits the absorption of strontium, one of the more toxic components of nuclear fallout.
Polysorbate 60? The verdict is out and I am certainly no "conspiracy theorist" so I will go with what I know. Also an emulsifier that NEVER expires!
Artifical Color? Natural Flavor? Not a whole lot of answers on this label.
Since I have been stuck in a vinegrette rut lately (its awesome btw- but I need VARIETY) I was very excited to see a post from my friend over at Maine Homemaker! She posted a recipe for Sweet Vidalia Blender Dressing . I had most of the ingredients on hand and it was too easy to pass up. Here is my version of her recipe! I bet hers is fantastic...I just didn't have all of the ingredients!!! Mine is a crisp-tangy dressing that will top a spinach salad TONIGHT!
Ingredients:
1 clove fresh garlic
1/2 Cup sweet onion (diced)
1/4 Cup orange juice ( squeezed)
1/2 Cup olive oil
1/8 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 Cup dijon mustard (organic for me)
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sea salt & pepper
1/2 Cup olive oil
1/8 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 Cup dijon mustard (organic for me)
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sea salt & pepper
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Directions:
It gets no easier than this.....
1. Toss it all into the blender and blend until smooth!
SO THAT'S IT!!
I hope that you try and enjoy this dressing or take some inspiration from it and try to make your own dressing!
Please swing by and visit Jenn at Maine Homemaker
She was the inspiration for this recipe!
Check your labels, get familiar with your products....
then make them yourself!
