This tasty Pumpkin Vinaigrette salad dressing is gluten free, low in sodium and a fabulous way to use up that last bit of canned pumpkin.
Pumpkin Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Several years ago, I had the pleasure of attending a dinner event sponsored by Libby’s Pumpkin at Lincoln Center in NYC. Everything was delightful from the venue, to the cuisine which incorporated pumpkin into each course, to the amazing company of RDs, chefs and industry wizards.
The most unique aspect of this particular event included the opportunity for each attendee to share their experiences and ideas about how to help increase awareness of the fantastic versatility of pumpkin beyond the pumpkin pie. I mean, pumpkin is one of my favorite ingredients to include in recipes, so I thoroughly enjoyed the exchange of ideas.
One of the chefs mentioned that he uses canned pumpkin to prepare vinaigrette dressing in his restaurant. Sold! The next day I immediately began experimenting to create this Pumpkin Vinaigrette salad dressing.
As someone always looking to cut calories, my vinaigrettes differ from the traditional as I use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to oil instead of the standard 2:1 oil to vinegar. It significantly reduces the caloric content and creates a much stronger flavor so less is needed to dress the salad.
The bonus is that the pumpkin prevents the vinaigrette from “breaking”, so no oily top with the vinegar on the bottom. This recipe is also vegan, gluten free, low sodium and contains no added sugar, so it’s appropriate for almost any dietary restriction.
And remember, salad dressing isn’t only for salad. Toss it with veggies and your favorite whole grain like quinoa, farro, sorghum, freekeh or whole grain rice.
Pumpkin Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin a little more is fine
- ½ large clove of garlic or 1 small, finely chopped
- salt or pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wisk all ingredients together and refrigerate to allow the flavors to develop.
Notes
What is your favorite way to enjoy pumpkin (other than pumpkin pie)? Please share in the comments below 🙂
PIN FOR LATER!
Pumpkin Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Ooh – i’m going to try this! Your vinaigrette recipes are the best 🙂
This really caught my eye– looks delicious!
I LOVE the pumpkin addition! I NEVER would have thought to add it with such ingredients!
what a great idea! love it.