Name: Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup cranberry juice; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp dried cranberries; 1 tbsp shallot; 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley; 2 tsp ground almonds; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp white sugar; ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil

This cranberry-almond vinaigrette is the perfect way to elevate your salads with a burst of tangy and nutty flavors. It's a delightful blend of cranberry juice, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice that brings a unique twist to your greens.

Photos of Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette Recipe

Shallot and dried cranberries might not be staples in everyone's kitchen, so you may need to pick these up at the supermarket. Shallots are often found near the onions, while dried cranberries are usually in the baking or snack aisle.

Ingredients for Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette

cranberry juice: Provides a fruity and slightly tart base for the vinaigrette.

lemon juice: Adds a bright, acidic note that balances the sweetness.

dried cranberries: Introduces chewy texture and concentrated cranberry flavor.

shallot: Adds a mild onion flavor that’s less sharp than raw onions.

fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous element to the dressing.

ground almonds: Adds a nutty flavor and helps thicken the dressing.

red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle heat to complement the sweetness.

garlic powder: Infuses the vinaigrette with a savory, garlicky flavor.

salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the vinaigrette.

white sugar: Balances the tartness with a touch of sweetness.

vegetable oil: Emulsifies the dressing, giving it a smooth and rich texture.

One reader, Kasper Benjamin says:

This cranberry-almond vinaigrette is a delightful blend of tangy and sweet. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and it adds a refreshing twist to any salad. The hint of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick. Highly recommend!

Kasper Benjamin

Techniques Required for Making Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette

How to whisk: Use a whisk to combine ingredients until smooth and well mixed. How to dissolve sugar: Stir the mixture until the sugar granules are no longer visible and have fully integrated into the liquid. How to thicken dressing: Gradually add oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the mixture and achieve a thick, smooth consistency.

How To Make Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette

Level up your meals with this tangy and unique vinaigrette recipe! It’s made with a tasteful combination of ground almonds and tart dried cranberries.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupcranberry juice
1tbsplemon juice
1tbspdried cranberries,finely chopped
1tbspshallot,finely chopped
1tbspfresh parsley,finely chopped
2tspground almonds
½tspred pepper flakes,crushed
½tspgarlic powder
2tspsalt
1tbspwhite sugar
⅓cupvegetable oil

Instructions

Whisk together the cranberry juice, lemon juice, cranberries, shallot, parsley, almonds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved.
Whisk in the vegetable oil until the dressing is thick and smooth.
Serve over salads, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 841.29kcal
Fat: 76.98g
Saturated Fat: 5.05g
Trans Fat: 0.57g
Monounsaturated Fat: 55.06g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.41g
Carbohydrates: 41.06g
Fiber: 1.67g
Sugar: 33.99g
Protein: 1.56g
Sodium: 595.76mg
Calcium: 26.95mg
Potassium: 145.98mg
Iron: 0.80mg
Vitamin A: 21.10µg
Vitamin C: 65.42mg

Key Technique Tip for Perfecting Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette

To enhance the flavor of your cranberry-almond vinaigrette, consider toasting the ground almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. This will add a deeper, nuttier flavor to the dressing.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Vinaigrette Recipe

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the cranberry juice, lemon juice, and other ingredients in advance to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop the shallot and parsley using a food processor to save time.

Batch prep: Make a larger batch of the vinaigrette and store it in the fridge for future use.

Quick dissolve: Use warm cranberry juice to help the sugar dissolve faster.

Pre-chopped nuts: Buy pre-ground almonds to skip the grinding step.

Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette Recipe

cranberry juice - Substitute with pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice provides a similar tartness and sweetness, making it a good alternative to cranberry juice.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, which can effectively replace lemon juice.
dried cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries have a comparable texture and sweetness, making them a suitable replacement for dried cranberries.
shallot - Substitute with red onion: Red onion can provide a similar mild, sweet flavor that shallots offer.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can add a similar fresh, herbaceous note, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
ground almonds - Substitute with ground cashews: Ground cashews have a similar texture and mild nutty flavor, making them a good alternative to ground almonds.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat and spice as red pepper flakes.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can offer a more robust garlic flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of saltiness and is often used interchangeably with regular salt.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile, and it also adds a bit of moisture.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar texture and richness, though it has a more pronounced flavor.

Best Way to Present This Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette

Use a pristine white plate: The contrast of the cranberry-almond vinaigrette against a clean, white plate will make the colors pop and look more vibrant.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a few sprigs of fresh parsley on top of the salad to enhance the visual appeal and tie in the flavors of the dressing.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle some whole ground almonds and dried cranberries over the salad to add crunch and visual interest.
Drizzle artistically: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle the cranberry-almond vinaigrette in a delicate, artistic pattern over the salad, ensuring even coverage and an elegant presentation.
Add a citrus twist: Place a thin slice of lemon on the side of the plate to hint at the lemon juice in the vinaigrette and add a pop of color.
Highlight the shallots: Thinly slice the shallot and scatter a few rings on top of the salad for a sophisticated touch and a hint of sharpness.
Balance the colors: Use a mix of greens, such as arugula and spinach, to create a vibrant base that complements the deep red of the cranberry juice and dried cranberries.
Finish with a light dusting: Lightly dust the salad with a pinch of red pepper flakes and garlic powder to add a subtle kick and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Serve immediately: Ensure the salad is served fresh to maintain the crispness of the greens and the integrity of the cranberry-almond vinaigrette.

Essential Tools for Making Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette

Whisk: Essential for blending the cranberry juice, lemon juice, cranberries, shallot, parsley, almonds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
Small bowl: Used to combine all the ingredients before adding the vegetable oil.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the cranberry juice and vegetable oil.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lemon juice, dried cranberries, shallot, parsley, ground almonds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and sugar.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the shallot and parsley.
Chef's knife: Used for finely chopping the shallot and parsley.
Mixing bowl: Used to whisk in the vegetable oil until the dressing is thick and smooth.
Serving spoon: Useful for drizzling the vinaigrette over salads.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Vinaigrette

This cranberry-almond vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Before each use, give the dressing a good shake or stir to recombine the ingredients, as the oil and vinegar may separate over time.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your homemade vinaigrette, you can freeze it for up to 3 months:
- Pour the dressing into an ice cube tray or small freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion.
- Once frozen solid, transfer the cubes or containers to a freezer bag or airtight container to save space and prevent freezer burn.
- To use, simply thaw the desired amount of dressing in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- Give the thawed dressing a good whisk or shake before serving to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Keep in mind that the texture of the dressing may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should remain delicious.
If you notice any separation or clumping after thawing, you can blend the dressing briefly in a food processor or with an immersion blender to restore its smooth consistency.

Interesting Fact About Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette

A random fact about this recipe is that cranberry juice not only adds a tart flavor but also provides antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Is Making Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette at Home Cost-Effective?

This cranberry-almond vinaigrette recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients like cranberry juice, lemon juice, and vegetable oil are relatively inexpensive and commonly found in most kitchens. The use of dried cranberries and ground almonds adds a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $5-$7 USD.

Is This Vinaigrette Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The cranberry-almond vinaigrette recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like cranberries, almonds, parsley, and shallots, which provide antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. The recipe also uses cranberry juice, which is a good source of vitamin C and other beneficial compounds. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components, such as added sugar and a relatively high amount of salt, which can contribute to excessive sodium intake if consumed in large quantities or frequently. Additionally, the use of vegetable oil, which is often high in omega-6 fatty acids, may not be the most optimal choice for a balanced diet.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of added sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Decrease the salt content by half or use a low-sodium alternative
Opt for a healthier oil, such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, which are rich in monounsaturated fats and have a more favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio
Increase the amount of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, to boost the nutrient content and add more flavor without relying on salt
Add a touch of Dijon mustard to enhance the flavor profile and create a more emulsified, creamy texture

Editor's Thoughts on This Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette Recipe

This cranberry-almond vinaigrette offers a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, making it a refreshing addition to any salad. The combination of cranberry juice and dried cranberries provides a robust fruit flavor, while the ground almonds add a subtle nuttiness. The shallot and parsley contribute a fresh, aromatic note, and the red pepper flakes give a gentle kick. The use of vegetable oil ensures a smooth, cohesive dressing. Overall, it's a well-rounded vinaigrette that can elevate simple greens to a gourmet level.

Enhance Your Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the crispy, caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts paired with a tangy balsamic glaze. The slight bitterness of the sprouts is beautifully balanced by the sweet and tart notes of the cranberry-almond vinaigrette.

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herb Marinade: Juicy, tender chicken skewers marinated in a blend of fresh herbs and citrus. The smoky char from the grill adds a delightful contrast to the vibrant flavors of the vinaigrette.

Quinoa and Kale Salad: A hearty mix of quinoa and kale, tossed with crunchy nuts and sweet dried fruits. The cranberry-almond vinaigrette ties everything together with its zesty and nutty profile.

Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy and comforting butternut squash soup, with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. A drizzle of the vinaigrette on top adds a surprising burst of flavor that elevates this classic soup.

Apple and Walnut Salad: Crisp apple slices and crunchy walnuts come together in a refreshing salad. The cranberry-almond vinaigrette adds a delightful tartness that complements the sweetness of the apples and the earthiness of the walnuts.

Similar Vinaigrette Recipes to Try

Raspberry-Balsamic Vinaigrette: This delightful vinaigrette combines the tangy sweetness of raspberries with the rich depth of balsamic vinegar. Perfect for drizzling over fresh greens or as a marinade for grilled chicken.

Honey-Dijon Mustard Dressing: A classic blend of honey and Dijon mustard, this dressing is both sweet and tangy. Ideal for salads, sandwiches, or even as a dip for vegetables.

Citrus-Poppy Seed Dressing: Bright and zesty, this dressing features the refreshing flavors of orange and lemon juice, complemented by the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. It's a perfect match for fruit salads or grilled seafood.

Maple-Bacon Vinaigrette: A savory and slightly sweet dressing that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the rich sweetness of maple syrup. This vinaigrette is a fantastic addition to spinach salads or roasted vegetables.

Avocado-Lime Dressing: Creamy and refreshing, this dressing blends ripe avocado with zesty lime juice. It's perfect for taco salads or as a topping for grilled fish.

Why trust this Cranberry-Almond Vinaigrette Recipe:

This cranberry-almond vinaigrette recipe is a delightful blend of tangy cranberry juice and zesty lemon juice, balanced perfectly with the sweetness of dried cranberries and white sugar. The addition of shallot and fresh parsley adds a refreshing depth, while ground almonds and red pepper flakes provide a unique texture and a hint of heat. This dressing is not only easy to make but also versatile, enhancing the flavors of any salad. Trust this recipe for its harmonious blend of ingredients and its ability to elevate your culinary creations.

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FAQ:

How long does this cranberry-almond vinaigrette last in the fridge?

You can store this vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Sure, you can use fresh cranberries, but you might want to chop them finely or blend them to get a smoother texture. The flavor will be a bit more tart, so you might need to adjust the sugar to taste.

Is there a substitute for vegetable oil?

Absolutely, you can use olive oil, canola oil, or even avocado oil if you prefer. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they all work well.

Can I make this vinaigrette without the sugar?

Yes, you can skip the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just adjust to taste since these sweeteners can be more or less sweet than sugar.

What kind of salads does this vinaigrette go best with?

This vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with mixed greens, spinach salads, or even a salad with some fruit like apples or pears. It adds a nice tangy and slightly sweet flavor.