So here it is, the second installment of Iron Chef Mom. The ingredient this week is vanilla. Sure, I could have shared any baked good, since vanilla extract is in just about everything. But I wanted to challenge myself to use vanilla in a different way. Amazingly, salad was my first thought. I don’t really eat salads that often. But ever since I watched Nacho Libre over Christmas, I’ve been craving a good salad!
I added vanilla to the vinaigrette. The dressing isn’t overly sweet as you may suspect. The vanilla flavor sort of teases you. It’s there, but not overly powerful. The sweetness comes from a bit of honey. Orange zest freshens it all up.
I do not use nuts very often in my baking. But I love nuts in salads. I used pecans, but you could substitute almonds or walnuts. I love the blend of ingredients in this salad: the peppery arugula in the mixed greens, the crunchy pecans, the creamy tang from the goat cheese and the pomegranate seeds bursting with sweet goodness. You could use your favorite ingredients instead of what I have listed. This is a very “user-friendly” salad. It’s more of a guideline! But you should absolutely try the vanilla vinaigrette! It will add a unique, but delicious flavor to your greens!!
After constructing this salad. I realized how appropriate this would be for Valentine’s Day! Supposedly, several ingredients in this salad are aphrodisiacs. Specifically the honey and vanilla from the dressing as well as the pomegranates in the salad. And if you use walnuts instead of pecans, then you have an extra little “romantic” boost. I’m just going to say, that I cannot be held responsible for what happens after you serve this salad! I can only promise that you will love it (the salad that is!).
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You may enjoy these too:!
Strawberry Tomato Salsa
Mediterranean Dip
Ingredients
- For the vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- pepper
- For the salad:
- 1 5 oz package mixed greens or spring mix
- 1 4 oz package goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 pomegranate, seeded
Instructions
- Mix all the dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake well. Store in fridge until ready to use.
- In a bowl, combine salad ingredients. Pour dressing over salad just before serving.
- Makes 4 side salads, or 2 dinner salads.
I’ll be sharing this recipes with these fabulous sites as well as too: Jam Hands, DIY Dreamer, Iron Chef Mom-Mom on Timeout and
Visiting from All My Bloggy Friends.
This dressing is awesome! I’ve never seen anything like it. Adding nuts to salads is something I’m fond of and you’ve really elevated salad with goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, and vanilla.
Why thank you Michelle! I appreciate your kind words!
This is really very unique.
As I always eat green salad (I just LOVE it), I’m going to try today your dressing.
Thanks Winnie, I wanted something a little different. I hope you like it!
I can tell you now that I looooooooooooove this dressing. I really like the taste and I’m definitely going to make it again and again.
Thanks!:)
Oh you did try it??? I’m so happy to hear you liked it! You’ve made my day Winnie!!!
A really new approach to a dressing for a green salad. I’ll be trying it soon.
Thank you Jeanne. Let me know if you try it!
Oh my goodness this sounds fantastic!! I hope you will share one of your amazing recipes at the blog hop on Thursday xo
Would love too! Thank you!
This sounds delicious, Tanya, and very creative. I’ve never thought of vanilla as an ingredient in a vinaigrette. What a surprise at the dinner table! I love that! Thanks for sharing.
I love this – I would have never thought to add vanilla to a vinaigrette! I’d love to have you come and link up at Taste and Tell Thursdays!
Your recipe sounds wonderful! Stopping by from Made in a Day!
Love the sound of the vinaigrette!
Thanks Jessica!
This looks great! I love making my own salad dressing & I am pinning this for later.
Thanks Raquel, I love making my own dressing too, I just don’t do it enough!