Walnut Dressing
A creamy, nutty walnut dressing with bright citrus notes, perfect for salads and vegetables, offering a delightful balance of richness and tanginess.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese.
- Add chopped walnuts, light mayonnaise, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar to the softened cream cheese.
- Beat all ingredients together using a blender or rotary beater until smooth.
- Store the dressing in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the chopped walnuts before adding them to the dressing. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the light mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For a touch of sweetness, you might also experiment with honey instead of sugar. This dressing works well in salads or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Walnut Dressing is perfect drizzled over mixed greens or served alongside roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a delicious meal. For a delightful touch, serve it alongside a fruit platter or use it as a spread on sandwiches. It also complements vegetarian recipes wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If the dressing thickens, you can thin it out with a splash of orange juice or water. Stir well before serving, as ingredients may separate during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Dressing contains roughly 315 calories, with 7g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this Walnut Dressing a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken over time.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese?
Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative made from nuts or soy. This will keep the dressing creamy while accommodating dairy-free diets. Just ensure it has a similar texture for the best results.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your preference. If you prefer a natural sweetener, consider maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
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).