Pumpkin Vinaigrette Dressing

When fall rolls around, pumpkin gets added to basically everything. Because, why not? it compliments a basic vinaigrette dressing perfectly, adding a touch of sweetness. It’s as yummy as it sounds…

I serve a salad often with dinner in our house. A salad goes well with just about anything and its pretty simple and quick to toss together. I have some pretty neat tricks up my sleeve for making a salad go from a 1 to a 10 real quick. This pumpkin vinaigrette dressing is definitely one of them.

I have to admit, I’m a lover of ranch dressing. Name one thing it doesn’t pair well with…I’m waiting. It’s the perfect combo of sweet and zippy flavor. Don’t get me wrong, I like a good balsamic vinaigrette now and then too, but I definitely prefer a sweeter vinaigrette that isn’t too zippy.

Enter, pumpkin vinaigrette dressing. The perfect vinaigrette, who may be a great fall go to but I plan to keep this baby in my fridge all year round. It has a mildly sweet flavor but also a touch of that traditional vinegar zip.

Be sure to shake well before using. Refrigerate your dressing. It keeps well for two weeks.

If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you may add sugar. For a bit more zippy dressing, add more vinegar.

My favorite way to use my pumpkin vinaigrette dressing is drizzled over my favorite harvest garden salad – fresh apple, avocado, sliced grilled strip steak, and topped with crumbly bleu cheese, dried cranberries, and mix nuts (pecans, pumpkin seeds, walnuts). You can always swap the steak for a different protein of your choice. It’s a lighter option for dinner but keeps my hubby happy because…steak.

I’d love to hear how you enjoyed this pumpkin vinaigrette dressing!