Paleo Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette

We needed a quick salad dressing tonight because oil and vinegar just sounded completely unappealing to me. So I came up with this quick little vinaigrette using some of my favorite flavors.

Paleo Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette

1/2 balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp sea salt
1 cup olive oil

Mix together balsamic, maple, mustard and salt (I used a protein shake mixer to make this, but a blender or just a bowl and whisk will work great). Add olive oil and mix well. Serve and enjoy!

Cold Broccoli Salad

While the idea of cold broccoli may seem unappealing to some, I can tell you it is such a treat. The trick is to cook the broccoli before hand so that it is softened, then coat it in the homemade vinaigrette. This vinaigrette also works wonderfully on salads. I had some left over and happily ate a pile of lettuce covered in it. :) Hope you enjoy this simple, yet fabulous alternative to "steamed broccoli again".

Cold Broccoli Salad

1 big bunch broccoli, just the florets (or a bag of it)
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard
2 tbsp water
1/2 cup olive oil

Preheat oven to 350. Place broccoli on a cookie sheet (lightly grease with oil of choice). Roast in oven for 8-10 minutes or until broccoli just becomes fork tender. Remove from oven, place in a bowl and into the refrigerator. In separate bowl, mix together vinegar, salt, onion powder, mustard, and water. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Pour dressing over the broccoli. Be sure to cover the broccoli to your own taste. If you like dressing, feel free to go heavy, if you just want a hint, then keep it light. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until chilled. Serve and enjoy!

Ginger Lime Salad dressing

When eating salads, I just feel it is important to have an interesting and tasty dressing. I came up with this one because I was craving something citrus with a little zip. Hope you enjoy it!

Paleo Ginger Lime Salad Dressing

1 1/2 limes, juiced
2 tsp ginger root, fresh grated
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1/4 cup oil (mix a few to avoid a strong flavor)

In food processor or blender, place the lime juice, ginger, salt and vinegar. Turn on blender or processor. Stream in honey. Then slowly stream in the oil. Serve over your favorite lettuce variety or use as a tasty topping for some shredded cabbage. Enjoy!

Paleo Honey Mustard Dressing

My friend Shayna asked me to help her come up with a Paleo honey mustard. I sat down in my kitchen and thought about the flavors, then developed this dressing. I think it came out pretty darn tasty. Hubby also really enjoyed it, so I would love to hear what everyone else thinks about it. Its a sweet honey mustard, but if you like it spicy then feel free to add some horseradish or some extra black pepper.

Paleo Honey Mustard

3-4 Tbsp of honey
1.5 tsp mustard powder
2 tbsp cider vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
pepper to taste
1/4 cup oil (best to use a blend of different nut oils and olive so there is not overwhelming flavor)

Put honey, mustart, vinegar, salt and pepper in blender or food processor. When well combined, keep the blade running and slowly drizzle oil in. Blend for 10 seconds after oil is fully combined. Taste test and adjust flavor as needed.

Paleo Salad Dressing Mix

I used to love Good Seasons italian dressing mix. The ease of making my own dressing with the oils and vinegars of my choice. The unfortunate part is the preservatives, salts and sugars they put in. I found a recipe for a copycat, so I modified it to better suit paleo living. This is the formula I came up with. Store this in a ziploc bag or airtight container and just mix it up whenever you need a delicious salad dressing. (You can always use your protein shake mixer or your old Good Season dressing cruet to make this)

Paleo Italian Dressing Mix

1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
1/4 tsp dried parsley
2 tbsp sea salt
1 tbsp maple sugar (optional)

Mix together all ingredients and store in airtight container.

To make dressing mix together 1/4 cup vinegar (cider or balsamic), 2 tbsp water, and 2 tbsp dressing mix. Add 2/3 cup oil (mix together a variety of oils so there is no overwhelming flavor of almonds, olives of coconuts). Mix well to combine.

Cranberry salad dressing

I miss salad dressing. I am tired of just vinegar or lemon juice. Tonight I decided to modify a recipe I found for a cranberry salad dressing. I drew my inspiration from one created by www.elanaspantry.com Enjoy this on your spinach salad, try it mixed into a chicken salad, or just pour it on a head of lettuce. Feel free to sub the oils for whatever other oil you prefer.

Cranberry Salad Dressing

1 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1-2 tbsp honey (or agave)
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 cup almond oil
1/4 cup macadamia oil

In food processor or blender, puree cranberries, juices, honey, thyme, salt and mustard until smooth. With the processor on slowly drizzle in the oil. Store in the fridge. Enjoy!