Description
Our zesty Southwestern Salad Dressing perfectly balances the richness of extra-virgin olive oil with an array of carefully selected spices. Bursting with the authentic essence of this region's culinary heritage, the heart of this recipe lies in the aromatic blend of spices that have been cherished for centuries by the indigenous people of the American Southwest. Ground cumin, known for its warm and earthy notes, marries harmoniously with fiery chili powder and the smoky allure of paprika. Meanwhile, dried oregano brings a touch of herbaceous freshness, while onion powder and garlic add depth and complexity to the mix.
The inspiration behind this Southwestern Salad Dressing harkens back to the rich cultural tapestry of the Southwest. Drawing upon the traditional culinary practices of Native American tribes and the bold influence of Mexican cuisine, this dressing celebrates the vibrant flavors that have been passed down through generations. At The Spice and Tea Shoppe, we take pride in sourcing the finest ingredients to craft our Southwestern Salad Dressing. We are passionate about preserving the rich history of spices and their cultural significance, infusing each bottle with the essence of tradition and craftsmanship.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp light chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional - adjust to taste for spiciness
1/2 tsp salt to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
In a medium-sized bowl, add lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously. This helps emulsify the dressing and blend all the flavors together.
Once all the ingredients are well combined, taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed.
If you want it spicier, add a bit more cayenne pepper. If it needs more tang, add more lime juice. If it needs more salt or other spices, adjust to your liking.
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using it. Chilling the dressing allows the flavors to meld together and enhances its taste.
Shake the dressing well before using it on your salad to make sure the spices and oil are evenly distributed.
Serve the Southwestern salad dressing over your favorite salad greens and veggies, like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, black beans, corn, avocado, and sliced red onions. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.