Pine Nut Vinaigrette Dressing

Pine Nut Vinaigrette Dressing- It’s EASY and DELICIOUS.  After a winter of root veggies, I get geeked out this time of year when the fresh salad greens are coming back in full force.  To me the inherent flavor in simple greens needs to be enhanced by simple clear tasting dressing not smothered like so many heavy handed dressings can so easily do. 

The thing is, F.H. (Fabulous Husband), gets a little bored with simple greens, so I try to kick it up a notch, for a more complex but not heavy blend.  Last night, I had some ingredients lying around so I decided to rock it out with what seemed to me to have more enhanced flavor, but still light side, combo.  It came out GLORIOUSLY. Do I always say that?.  Make sure you toast the fresh unsalted pine nuts yourself.  No cheating 😉

Oh, and hey, don’t you love this little vintage Tiffany blue, mini goblet?  One of my favorite antique dealers gave it to me when I had a particularly successful shopping spree for vintage aprons and other various exciting objets recently. I have this thing: I get so much more pleasure out of finding diamonds in the rough shopping vintage than I do buying new stuff that’s all color coordinated at the big box stores…..nothing wrong with that, but anyone can spend money and do that.  Like that wood platter above?  It belonged to my parents.  It’s from the 60’s and the memories from the food served on it brighten my spirit every time I use it.

Old things have mojo.

Anyway, weren’t we talking about Pine Nut Vinaigrette dressing? Why did you change the subject?  Quit interrupting me 😉

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon
• 1/4 cup really good olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced green onion (or shallot)
• 3-4 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

Toast pine nuts in a skillet until nicely browned.  I use my cherished little vintage cast iron lovely.  Crush nuts in a mortar and pestle (so fast!) or mini food processor.  Add all ingredients except water and olive oil in a bowl and slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly.  Add water to get the desired consistency.  Voila!

This dressing is perfect for a nice tender butter lettuce, or spicy baby green salad with a little avocado and a few pine nuts sprinkled on.  Fresh berries would be excellent here too.

Try it and let me know what you think!  And feel free to share it below!