It has been a busy week here catching up after the holidays I think and a rainy week. I got caught in a gorgeous sunny downpour leaving work and had to snap a pic even though I was getting drenched.
The pups have been very frustrated with the weather and not going on evening walks because of the rain. But we’re very happy to get it and hope it keeps coming for a little catch up.
I feel like I’m still doing a little healthy eating catch up after the holidays and trying include healthier salads for weeknight dinners with beans and other good ingredients. That inspired two dressing recipes this week using great ingredients like curry, apple cider vinegar, hemp seeds, and raw garlic. But no oil or sugar! And they didn’t need it. The first is a kicky blend of curry and Dijon that works well with sweet raisins and carrot.
Curried Dijon Dressing
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup. raisins
- 2 tsp. C\curry powder
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp. miso paste
- 1 small carrot, chopped
- ¼ cup water, as needed
- pepper to taste
Place all ingredients into a high speed blender and blend to a smooth and creamy texture. Serve and enjoy! Makes 4 servings.
The flavor is kicky with a tangy Dijon and curry flare, but also has a playful sweetness and worked great on a kale and chickpea salad.
Next is more of a creamier comfort dressing also getting a kick from Dijon mustard. This time it’s paired with raw garlic and balsamic vinegar blended with hemp seems for a creamy texture.
Creamy Balsamic Dressing
- 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbps. Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup shelled hemp seeds
- 1 clove of garlic
- ¼ cup water, as needed
- 1 tsp. miso paste
- pepper to taste
Place all ingredients into a high speed blender and blend to a smooth and creamy texture. Serve and enjoy! Makes 4 servings.
The texture and flavor on this dressing are very different for mixing it up and it coated this kale and kidney bean salad nicely.
It’s tangy and rich with balsamic tang, but still lighter and more natural tasting.
Miko was having a hard time understanding why I wasn’t sharing.
That dressing sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Sure, always good to start the year with healthy eats!
Two very creative, unconventional approaches to dressing that I’m all over! Brilliant ways to lighten them up without any oil, but keeping them as satisfying as ever.
Thanks and agreed, the dressing are still very flavorful and satisfying.
I’m glad you incorporated apple cider vinegar. I’m trying to incorporate more of that in my diet and am failing miserably. I feel the same way about the holidays, still playing catch up trying to get those added pounds off. Frustrating!
Yes, I’ve been reading more positive things about apple cider vinegar lately – good for metabolism, salt alternative, digestive aid, etc. So true after the holidays and tough when it’s cold and dark, ugh!
I love the idea of curry in there. I never thought of adding some to my vinaigrette, so thank you for the inspiration!
I’m also totally still in the Christmas/New Year loop… Going back to work on Monday helped a little but I’m not quite there yet.
Thanks, curry is such a fun add to dressings. Yes on the holidays, it can be so hard to get back to “normal” after them!