Fresh Fig Vinaigrette - and the Only Bottled Salad Dressing I Use

Have you ever looked at the ingredient list on your salad dressing? I bet you will be surprised to find out that it's likely made with soy, vegetable, or canola oil - not with olive oil. I recommend avoiding highly processed vegetable oils such as soy and canola because they are likely to be genetically modified and are high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats. They're cheap and more shelf stable, which is why manufacturers use them, but they do not impart the benefits of first-pressed extra virgin olive oil.

Fortunately, I have found a salad dressing line made with olive oil as the only oil. It is from Bragg's, the company that also creates raw apple cider vinegar. Their two varieties, Healthy Vinaigrette and Ginger & Sesame, contain whole, real ingredients that are also organic. It's $4.99 at Whole Foods.

It's also really easy to make your own salad dressing! I hope to share more salad dressing recipes in the future, and today I will show you how to make the Fresh Fig Vinaigrette, a recipe I created myself. Figs are currently in season and offer a great texture and mildly sweet taste - plus they're chock full of nutrients and are really pretty! Both black and green figs are available at farmers markets and even Trader Joe's right now. Both taste fine, but black figs offer a more interesting color for this dressing.

This dressing stays in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. My husband gobbles it up - always a plus!

Please note that quantities are approximate. You can use more or less, depending on your taste. I recommend using a mini food processor, but you can also use a blender or larger food processor.

Fresh Fig Vinaigrette

4-8 figs, washed with stems removed
2-4 T. extra virgin olive oil (first cold-pressed)
4 T. balsamic vinaigrette
Dash of stevia
1 tsp. garlic powder
Sea salt and pepper

Assemble your ingredients:


Pretty, right?



Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree.




Pour over a salad made with your favorite fruit (try pomegranate seeds, cut figs, or strawberries), fresh greens, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts.


Enjoy!

*M*