Savor one of Chef Leander's signature salad dressings—an enticing and healthy alternative to store-bought dressings, offering a deliciously guilt-free experience. Opting for yogurt instead of mustard provides a creamy texture with a zing. Substituting traditional sugar with agave nectar reduces calories and glycemic impact. Best of all, it's easy to make. Your family and guests will love this and beg for more. And you can say, "I made it myself!"Vegan, low glycemic and diabetic friendly!While you're at it, make a double recipe! It's that good!
25gshallot, peeled, 1/3 to 1/2 of a medium shallot, minced finely
2TBSPbalsamic vinegar
2TBSPGreek yogurt, See NOTES below
1 tspagave nectar
⅓cupolive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Blender Method (recommended for larger quantities)
Remove the outer skin from the shallot. Rough chop the shallot and put it in the blender container.
Add the vinegar, lemon yogurt*, agave syrup and olive oil to the blender.
Blend on low speed for 15 seconds, then increase to high speed for an additional 45 seconds.
Pour into a storage bottle or serving container and keep in the refrigerator.
Salad Bowl Method (by hand)
Moisten a kitchen towel and spread it out on the counter. Put your large salad bowl on the towel. This will keep your bowl from "skating" around the counter as you whisk your dressing.and put on the counter.
Peel the shallot and mince it finely. Add to the mixing bowl. Add the vinegar, yogurt*, and agave syrup. Give it a good whisk.
To mix this dressing, add a small trickle of the olive oil. Whisk until the mixture starts to cloud up a bit. Continue whisking while trickling in the remainder of the oil. As you continue to whisk, the oil and vinegar will thicken up.
Add your salad ingredients to the bowl, tossing to distribute the dressing on the salad.
Add garnish and serve.
Notes
Chef Leander prefers plain Greek yogurt. Alternatives are Vegenaise or lemon Greek yogurt.
Consider doubling the recipe. This is a very versatile recipe and will keep two weeks in the refrigerator.
SHOPPING LIST BELOW!
Produce:
◦1 Shallot
◦2 Bunches of Lacinato Kale
◦2 Medium Sweet Potatoes
◦1 Large Orange
◦Dairy:
◦1 Small Tub of Greek Yogurt (Plain or Lemon-Flavored)
◦Nuts and Seeds:
✓8 Ounces Pomegranate Seeds (Arils)
✓1/2 Cup Oregon Blanched Hazelnuts
✓Pantry:
✓Balsamic Vinegar
✓Agave Nectar
✓Olive Oil
✓Salt
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Chef Leander's Signature Creamy Balsamic Dressing (Vegan)
Amount per Serving
Calories
79.33
% Daily Value*
Fat
8.02
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
1.11
g
7
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.84
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5.84
g
Cholesterol
0.17
mg
0
%
Sodium
2.22
mg
0
%
Potassium
8.81
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
1.58
g
1
%
Fiber
0.002
g
0
%
Sugar
1.4
g
2
%
Protein
0.36
g
1
%
Vitamin A
0.13
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
0.19
mg
0
%
Calcium
4.75
mg
0
%
Iron
0.07
mg
0
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.