If you're watching your calorie intake, be warned: one serving of Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette (4 oz) contains 340 calories. However, this dressing is worth considering for its delicious taste and nutritional benefits.
Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette is made with a blend of ingredients that include cranberry sauce, orange juice, vinegar, and oil. It has a tangy, sweet flavor that pairs well with salads, roasted vegetables, or even grilled meats. The dressing is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious add-on to your meals.
In this article, we'll explore what Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette is, its ingredients, nutritional facts, health benefits, and tips on how to use and store it.
What is Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette?
Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette is a tangy-sweet salad dressing made with a blend of cranberry sauce, orange juice, vinegar, and oil. The flavors of the cranberries and the oranges complement each other perfectly, making for a delicious and healthy dressing to accompany your meals. It is also a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of dishes beyond salads, such as roasted vegetables or grilled meats. Besides adding a zesty flavor to your meals, Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette also brings with it several nutritional benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants, which are all essential nutrients that contribute to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.
Why is it High in Calories?
The high calorie count in Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette comes mainly from the oil used to make it. Oil is a high-calorie ingredient that adds richness to dressings but can also add excess calories if not used in moderation. However, the calories in the dressing can be balanced out by pairing it with low-calorie ingredients in your meal, such as leafy greens and grilled chicken breast.
What are the Ingredients?
The ingredients of Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette include cranberry sauce, orange juice, vinegar, oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt. The sauce is made by combining the ingredients in a blender, making it an easy and quick recipe to make at home.
What are the Health Benefits?
Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette is a healthy salad dressing that brings several health benefits to your diet. It is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and supports healthy skin and hair. It is also a good source of vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and skin. Additionally, it contains potassium, an essential mineral that supports heart health by regulating blood pressure levels.
How to Use Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette?
Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can be used in many ways. It pairs well with leafy greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, grilled chicken, and salmon. Here are some ideas for using it:
- Toss it with a salad of leafy greens, sliced apples, walnuts, and feta cheese for a delicious and healthy salad.
- Drizzle it over roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a flavorful side dish.
- Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or salmon for a tangy and sweet flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette?
Making Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette is easy and quick. Here is a simple recipe to follow:
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a jar and store in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette?
Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week. The oil may solidify in the fridge, so let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a good shake before using it.
What are the Nutritional Facts?
Here are the nutritional facts for 1 serving (4 oz) of Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette:
- calories: 340
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
What are the Alternatives?
If you're looking for a lower-calorie dressing alternative, try a balsamic vinaigrette, lemon vinaigrette, or Greek yogurt dressing. These dressings are lower in calories and still pack a flavor punch.
Where to Buy Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette?
Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette can be found in most grocery stores in the salad dressing aisle or the condiments section. You can also make it at home using the recipe provided earlier in this article.
"Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette is a healthy and delicious salad dressing that is rich in vitamins and minerals."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette
1. What are the main ingredients in this vinaigrette?
The main ingredients in Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette include cranberry juice, orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Is this vinaigrette high in calories?
Yes, one serving (4 oz) of Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette contains 340 calories. However, it is also high in nutrients and healthy fats from the olive oil.
3. What are some good uses for Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette?
This flavorful vinaigrette can be used on salads as a dressing or as a marinade for chicken or fish. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or as a dip for bread.
4. Is this vinaigrette gluten-free?
Yes, Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette is gluten-free and does not contain any wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients.
5. How should I store this vinaigrette?
This vinaigrette should be stored in the refrigerator after opening and can be kept for up to one month. Shake well before using as separation is normal.