| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 199 | 12g | 1.7g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 2g | 2g | 0.1g |
When you hear the name ‘Locust Beans Salad Dressing’, you may be a bit surprised – it’s not your typical dressing, by any means. Yet, this fruit-based recipe is not just intriguing but also utterly delicious. This zesty, sweet and tangy concoction is rooted in a tradition as rich as the flavors that make it up.
A Taste of Heritage with a Twist
Being raised in New Jersey by Italian grandparents, many of my own dishes take inspiration from Italian-American classics. That being said, my culinary creativity isn’t just limited to my Italian roots. The locust beans salad dressing, for instance, is a creative endeavor that combines my love for fruit-based creations with a nod to the nutrient-rich, traditionally African ingredient – locust beans.
In my version of this dressing, the locust beans are pickled, lending an even more outstanding flavor that adds depth to any salad. The olive oil speaks to my Italian heritage, while the mixed fruits – apples, strawberries, and blueberries – add a burst of freshness that can turn any salad from bland to grand.
Health Benefits and Pairing Suggestions
The Locust Beans Salad Dressing isn’t just delightful to the palate; it’s also packed with health benefits. The locust beans provide protein and fiber, while the fruits add an array of vitamins and antioxidants. The olive oil is a heart-healthy fat, the lemon juice aids digestion, and the apple cider vinegar can help regulate blood sugar levels.
This hearty, fruity dressing goes well with a selection of salads, particularly those with textures that can stand up to the robust flavors – think robust greens like kale or spinach, or an arugula and beet salad. It’ll even complement a pancetta and fig salad, echoing the traditional Italian flavors I grew up with. Alternatively, you could experiment with using it as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish, to give a splash of fruity, zesty excitement to your proteins.
To me, recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – they are stories, histories, and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Each dish I create is a celebration of my cultural heritage and my longstanding love for home-cooked food. Locust Beans Salad Dressing, with its unique blend of ingredients and flavors, is one such celebration – a tribute to tradition, creativity, and of course, delectable taste.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of pickled locust beans
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup of mix of diced apples, strawberries and blueberries
Method
Step One
Start by gathering all your ingredients. You would need the pickled locust beans, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, a large lemon, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a mix of diced apples, strawberries, and blueberries.
Step Two
Drain the pickled locust beans and set them aside. Make sure to reserve the pickling juice as it will be added to the dressing for extra flavor.
Step Three
Squeeze the juice from your large lemon into a small bowl. Set this aside for use later.
Step Four
In another bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk all these together until they are thoroughly mixed.
Step Five
Add the lemon juice, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to the olive oil mixture. Whisk again till everything is properly integrated.
Step Six
Fold in the drained pickled locust beans into the olive oil and lemon mixture. Stir well to make sure the beans are well covered in the dressing.
Step Seven
Finally, pour over the mixed fruits of diced apples, strawberries, and blueberries. Toss gently till the fruits are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step Eight
Your Locust Beans Salad Dressing is ready! Pour it over your favorite green salad or use it as a unique topping for grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy!
