Zesty Kiwi Mandarin Salad Dressing Delight

Julie’s Kiwi Mandarin Dressing

Description: Once upon a time, in the recipe request section of an online bulletin board, someone asked for a kiwi mandarin salad dressing. I looked all over for one online, but no luck. So I went to the store and got myself a bunch o’ kiwis and such, and came up with one of my own. I had it with dinner that night, and it was darn tasty! The folks on the other board have had it, too, and say they really like it.

Recipe Category: Salad Dressings

Keywords: Fruit, Kid Friendly, < 15 Mins, Small Appliance, Easy

Ingredients

• 4 kiwi fruits
• 1 mandarin orange (if using canned, rinse well to remove syrup; if using fresh, peel and separate)
• 1/2 – 1 mandarin orange (additional, for adjusting taste)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
• 3 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• 1/2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 dashes Tabasco sauce

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 182.8
• Fat Content: 10.8g
• Saturated Fat Content: 1.4g
• Cholesterol Content: 0mg
• Sodium Content: 295.1mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 22.3g
• Fiber Content: 3.7g
• Sugar Content: 15.6g
• Protein Content: 1.5g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kiwis:

   • Peel the kiwis and cut them into chunks.
   • Place the kiwi chunks into a food processor and blend until they are thoroughly liquified. Note that due to the fiber content, the mixture will not be completely liquid.

2. Process the Mandarins:

   • If using canned mandarins, rinse them well to remove the syrup.
   • If using fresh mandarins, peel and separate the segments.
   • Process the mandarins in the food processor until smooth.

3. Combine and Sieve:

   • Place a sieve over a bowl and pour the processed mandarin mixture through the sieve to separate the juice from the pulp.
   • Add the kiwi mixture to the bowl with the mandarin juice.

4. Mix the Dressing:

   • Add salt, fresh ground pepper, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, cooking wine, lime juice, and Tabasco sauce to the bowl.
   • Whisk the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

5. Serving Suggestion:

   • Pour the dressing over a field greens salad mix and enjoy!
   • For an added touch, garnish the salad with pine nuts.

Additional Tips and Notes

• Mandarins: Fresh mandarins are preferred over canned for the best flavor. If you must use canned mandarins, ensure they are well rinsed to remove any syrup.
• Vinegar Substitution: Some users have substituted balsamic vinegar in this recipe, but it is recommended to stick with rice vinegar or lime juice, as balsamic vinegar can overpower the delicate flavors of the kiwi and mandarin.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits or adjust the levels of sugar and Tabasco sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Garnish: Pine nuts or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your salad when paired with this dressing.

Nutritional Insights

This fruity, vibrant salad dressing is not only a flavorful addition to your salads but also comes with several health benefits due to its fresh ingredients. Kiwis are rich in vitamins C and K, and they offer a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. Mandarins add a sweet citrus note and are also packed with vitamin C, which is excellent for boosting the immune system.

The use of extra virgin olive oil provides healthy fats, which are essential for heart health. This dressing is relatively low in calories, making it a guilt-free option for enhancing your salads. The inclusion of lime juice and Tabasco sauce gives it a tangy and spicy kick, ensuring your salads are never boring.

Culinary Journey

Creating Julie’s Kiwi Mandarin Dressing is a testament to the joy of experimenting in the kitchen and coming up with something truly unique and delightful. This dressing was born out of a need to satisfy a request from a fellow food lover, showcasing the spirit of culinary creativity and community sharing. The result is a deliciously fruity, slightly tangy, and subtly spicy dressing that has garnered positive reviews from everyone who has tried it.

As you prepare this dressing, you’re not just mixing ingredients; you’re crafting a story of innovation and flavor. Each step, from blending the kiwis to whisking the final mixture, is an adventure in creating something that brings joy to your dining table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, Julie’s Kiwi Mandarin Dressing is sure to impress and become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Pairing Suggestions

This versatile dressing pairs wonderfully with a variety of salads. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1. Field Greens Salad: A simple mix of field greens, topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. The dressing adds a fruity punch that elevates the flavors of the fresh vegetables.

2. Spinach and Berry Salad: Combine fresh spinach leaves with a mix of berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), goat cheese, and candied pecans. The kiwi mandarin dressing complements the sweetness of the berries and the creaminess of the cheese.

3. Citrus Avocado Salad: Mix orange segments, avocado slices, and thinly sliced red onion on a bed of arugula. The dressing enhances the citrus flavors and adds a delightful contrast to the creamy avocado.

4. Quinoa and Vegetable Salad: Toss cooked quinoa with diced bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and chopped herbs (parsley or cilantro). The kiwi mandarin dressing ties all the ingredients together, making it a refreshing and nutritious salad.

Conclusion

Julie’s Kiwi Mandarin Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s an embodiment of culinary creativity and community spirit. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this dressing is a delightful addition to any salad. Its nutritional benefits, combined with its unique taste, make it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their salad game.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a fresh, fruity dressing, give Julie’s Kiwi Mandarin Dressing a try. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you’ll also be part of a story that started with a simple request and turned into a beloved recipe. Happy cooking!