Snap Pea Sheep

Walnut - dill dressing

The dressing MAKES any salad very special. I used to frequent a fine Italian restaurant than made a walnut and dill dressing. They used walnut oil and eventually changed to walnut flavored olive oil. Since I avoid oil, I made an oil-free version. I like it even better! I use orange juice and umeboshi plum vinegar as the base for the dressing. It' a special treat!
Prep Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 Walnut halves
  • 6 Tbsp Fresh orange juice May substitute lemon juice
  • 4 Tbsp Umeboshi Plum Vinegar
  • 1/4 Shallot substitute a slice of red onion
  • 4 Stems Fresh dill
  • 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Flax seed (Optional)

Method
 

  1. Wash dill and remove the stems. Chop fine. Add to salad dressing carafe.
  2. Freshly squeeze one orange or lemon and add to the carafe.
  3. Add the garlic powder and umeboshi plum vinegar to the carafe.
  4. Finely chop the shallot and add it to the carafe.
  5. Place the walnut halves in a baggie and use a rolling pin or potato masher to crush them. A canned item also works. Add finely crushed walnut to the carafe.
  6. Add optional flax seed and allow to thicken. Blend salad dressing after the flax seed softened if you desire a creamier dressing.

Notes

Used logo
This is a Snap Pea Sheep recipe.
 
This is not a thick salad dressing but it is oil free. Personally I like it like this because it adds a texture to the salad. 
If you want a thicker dressing, you add a 1/4 tsp finely ground flax seed and allow it to thicken the liquid. You could also blend this dressing - with or without the flax to give it more of a thicker, creamy texture.
I recommend using fresh dill in this dressing as dried dill tends to be a little bitter and metallic tasting. If you do not have dill you can try rosemary or Italian seasoning.