Tarragon Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

A flavorful tarragon dressing with tangy vinegar, honey, and fresh herbs, perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, or as a versatile sauce for various dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 c. vinegar
  • 1 1/4 tsp. dry mustard
  • 2 1/2 c. salad oil
  • 4 tsp. crushed garlic
  • 2 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 c. capers
  • 1 1/4 c. honey
  • 2 1/2 tsp. tarragon
  • 5 Tbsp. chopped, fresh parsley
  • 5 tsp. chives
  • large splash of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, dry mustard, salad oil, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add tarragon and blend well.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or yogurt. If you don't have dry mustard, yellow mustard or Dijon can work in a pinch. Fresh tarragon is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but you can use dried if necessary, adjusting the amount since it's more concentrated. This dressing is perfect drizzled over a fresh salad or as a dip for crunchy vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This Tarragon Dressing pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or can elevate dishes like grilled chicken or fish. It complements Mediterranean recipes well, such as Cucumbers Vinaigrette. Drizzle over roasted vegetables for a refreshing twist or serve alongside fresh bread to soak up the flavorful liquid.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using, as ingredients may separate. This dressing is versatile and can be used as a marinade or added to cooked vegetables for an extra flavor boost.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tarragon Dressing contains roughly 446 calories, with 23g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (166% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 785mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).

446 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.1g 46% DV
Total Fat 10.4g 13% DV
Carbs 77.2g 28% DV
Fiber 11.1g 40% DV
Sugar 18.9g 38% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 785.4mg 34% DV
Potassium 3201.3mg 68% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 769.5mcg 85% DV
Vitamin C 147.4mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 1039.4mg 80% DV
Iron 29.9mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 use fresh tarragon instead of dried?

Yes, fresh tarragon is preferable for its bright flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh tarragon compared to dried, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

What types of vinegar work best for this dressing?

While the recipe calls for vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also be used for different flavor profiles. Avoid using strong vinegars like balsamic, as they can overpower the other ingredients.

How can I make this dressing vegan?

This dressing is already vegan-friendly, but ensure to use a plant-based salad oil and skip any non-vegan ingredients. It works wonderfully as a dressing for salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

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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