Make Your Own Asian Orange Ginger Vinaigrette

Photo: William Dickey; Styling Rose Nguyen

Most store bought salad dressings are dripping in chemicals and stabilizers that KILL the flavor of the dressing and let it survive months or even years in  your fridge. When it comes to salad dressings, I find that simple is always better and because no one likes the same old dressing over and over again switching up the flavors is also essential. I personally prefer to switch flavors with the season and the fruit or veggies that are in season as well.

Fruits that are in season in the late winter months include primarily citrus fruits and dates. I've combined that most basic ingredients that you can keep in your pantry and have on hand when the need arises for some flavor in your salad. Follow the recipe below for a citrus packed dressing with a hint of  honey for a great boost of ginger for your immune system.


Asian Orange Ginger Vinaigrette


Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (unseasoned or seasoned is best)
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp orange zest
• juice from 1/2 large orange (or other citrus fruit)
• 1 tsp grated ginger (you don't need to peel unless brown skin is thick or dry)
• 1/4 cup oil (olive oil is strong in flavor but try grapeseed or rice oil for a lighter flavor)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1) Whisk the ingredients together.
2) Layer over fresh veggies or a salad.

Salad idea pictured above: Layer mixed salad greens with sesame crisps, grilled chicken, and fresh mandarin oranges and then top with your homemade salad dressing!

YUM!!