Light Orange Sauce For Vegetables

Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

A tangy and creamy orange sauce with a hint of tarragon, perfect for drizzling over vegetables or salads for a fresh and flavorful boost.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • zest of 1 orange
  • dash of Tabasco sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon tarragon

Instructions

  1. Combine mayonnaise, orange juice, orange zest, Tabasco sauce, and tarragon in a small saucepan.
  2. Stir well to blend the ingredients.
  3. Cook over low heat until the sauce is heated through, stirring often.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Adjust the amount of orange juice depending on your sweetness preference. If you don't have tarragon, dill or parsley can be good substitutes. This sauce is versatile and can also be used as a dip for fresh vegetables or drizzled over grilled chicken. If you're making Southwestern Lamb Chops, this sauce serves as a refreshing contrast.

Serving Suggestions

This light orange sauce is perfect for drizzling over steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. It also pairs well with grilled fish or chicken. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a grain salad or with a simple green salad for a refreshing side. It can even complement dishes like Bubu'S Peanut Brittle as a sweet-savory contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent separation. You can also serve it cold if preferred, making it a great option for meal prep or quick additions to vegetable dishes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Light Orange Sauce For Vegetables contains roughly 12 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

12 kcal 1% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.7g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 1g
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 191.1mg 8% DV
Potassium 78.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 0.4mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 27.9mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3% DV
Calcium 19.2mg 1% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this sauce a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or gently reheat it on low heat to warm it up without compromising the texture.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you want a healthier option, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free version. Both alternatives will maintain a creamy texture while adding their unique flavors to the sauce.

Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?

The original recipe contains mayonnaise, which is not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by using a plant-based mayonnaise. This way, it becomes a delicious vegan sauce that can enhance a variety of vegetable dishes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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