A yummy dressing is essential to tie together a salad! Vinaigrettes are typically lower in fat than cream-based opaque ones like ranch or blue cheese, which are typically 200-250 calories and 22-25g fat per 2 Tbsp serving. Sadly that standard 3:1 ratio of oil:vinegar (or other acid ex: lemon juice) in most vinaigrettes still results in fattier dressing than many assume, generally 150-180 calories and 12-18g fat per 2Tbsp! In effort to reduce fat, manufacturers usually increase sugar and sodium to make up for assumed loss of flavor when decreasing oil. So unfortunately, buying low fat and especially fat free dressings we often trade one poison for another.

We can do better than that!

For years Byron & I have been flipping that 3:1 ratio, making delicious low fat vinaigrettes to bring together the delicious fresh organic veggies, fruit and proteins that comprise the bulk of our meals. Here’s a new fav to bring the smoky quality of summer grilling to the forefront of any salad. Roasting or toasting nuts for snacking does so much to amplify their flavor. Not surprisingly toasted or roasted nut oils, such as sesame or hazelnut, have far more complex flavor and aroma than their virgin versions, which makes it much easier to maintain flavor using less of them! As a lover of the smoky notes in other roasted nut oils, I couldn’t wait to play with this Roasted Pistachio Oil I found at Trader Joe’s, which in store you can buy individually vs trio.

Try this vinaigrette in our GRILLED CORN & KALE SALAD!

INGREDIENTS
As always, please choose organic ingredients for YOUR health!
1 lemon, zest & juice
2 tsp roasted pistachio oil
1/4 tsp stevia
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

 

 

DIRECTIONS
Prepare dressing by zesting full lemon into deep bowl or food processor. Slice in half and juice into bowl. Add pistachio oil, stevia and black pepper. Whip up with an immersion blender or food processor.

 

DINING OUT TIP:  For meals out or whenever you cannot use your own dressing, I tell clients to use 1Tbsp vinaigrette + as much vinegar, lemon or lime juice as desired.

If you enjoy our Smoky Lemon Vinaigrette, please try:

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Enjoy this naturally low fat, sugar free, low calorie balsamic vinaigrette on salads and as a meat marinade!

Salad Dressing Alternatives

Salsa, guacamole, hummus and more can be used in place of or in combo with just a pinch of full fat dressings to reduce overall fat in meals, ensuring that salad is still as healthy as you intended it to be!