Creamy Pear Vinaigrette
So how do you create an ultra-creamy and decadent-tasting vinaigrette without even a hint of added dairy? Just pop in a ripe pear along with the rest of your classic vinaigrette ingredients! You will not believe how velvety-smooth the texture becomes allowing you to indulge in a luscious salad dressing without a shred of guilt!
Yield: about 1 1/4 cups
Yield: about 1 1/4 cups
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe pear cored and chopped (leave skin on)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned brown rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup almond oil or extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, toss together chopped pear and lemon juice. (prevents pears from browning)
- In a mini food processor or blender, process vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and pears until smooth. Continue blending while slowly drizzling in oil until dressing is thickened and creamy. Taste; add additional salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
Make Ahead and Storage: vinaigrette may be made up to 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Whisk again before serving.
For optimal blending, make sure the pear is ripe. If very green and hard when purchased, simply place pear in a tightly rolled-up paper bag for about 2 days or until soft to the touch. Do not allow pear to become overripe.
If you can, try using unseasoned brown rice vinegar and almond oil as they lend a sweeter essence to this delicately-flavored vinaigrette. Both of these products can be found in some supermarkets as well as natural food stores such as Whole Foods.
Creamy pear vinaigrette is delicious drizzled over this beautiful Sweet Autumn Salad.
