Creamy Tarragon Salad Dressing Infused with Freshness
Whip up a zesty salad dressing in no time with this simple recipe! You'll combine creme fraiche, zesty lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant tarragon. This tangy dressing is perfect for chunky, hearty salads or even as a tasty dip for carrot chips.
Game plan: Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to a day if you're prepping ahead.
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup
- Difficulty: A breeze!
- Total time: Just 10 minutes
Ingredients (6)
- 1 cup creme fraiche
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from around 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Simply throw all the ingredients together in a bowl and mix until combined. Cover and chill in the fridge for up to a day if you're not serving it immediately.
Now, let's liven up your salads with recipe suggestions to pair with this fantastic dressing:
1. Mixed Herb Salad with Tarragon Dressing
A salad that puts fresh herbs in the spotlight, harmonizing with the tarragon dressing.
Ingredients:
- Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sliced cucumber
- Radishes, thinly sliced
- Toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch
Instructions:
- Combine the mixed greens, herbs, tomatoes, cucumber, and radishes in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with tarragon-crème fraîche dressing and toss gently.
- Top with toasted nuts before serving.
2. Greenest Spring Salad
A colorful salad starring fresh veggies that shines when paired with tarragon dressing.
Ingredients:
- Butter lettuce, torn into pieces
- Snap peas, strings removed
- Asparagus, thinly sliced
- Radishes, paper-thin slices
- Peas (fresh or blanched)
- Fresh mint or dill, chopped
- Roasted salted almonds, chopped
Instructions:
- Arrange lettuce and other vegetables on a large platter.
- Drizzle with tarragon-crème fraîche dressing and toss well.
- Sprinkle nuts for added texture.
3. Creamy Avocado Salad
This rich, refreshing salad brings perfect balance to the tangy tarragon.
Ingredients:
- Ripe avocados, diced
- Mixed greens or baby spinach
- Sliced radishes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Diced cucumber
- A squeeze of lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine avocado, greens, tomatoes, radish, and cucumber in a bowl.
- Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper, then drizzle with the tarragon dressing.
- Serve immediately.
4. Asian-Inspired Salad with Tarragon Dressing
A salad that infuses umami flavors, complementing the tangy tarragon dressing.
Ingredients:
- Mixed greens (like baby spinach or mesclun)
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced bell peppers
- Edamame (shelled)
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced cucumber
Instructions:
- Combine vegetables in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with tarragon-crème fraîche dressing and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
5. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
A classic salad that highlights freshness, perfect for pairing with tarragon.
Ingredients:
- Ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- A drizzle of olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Arrange tomato slices and mozzarella on a serving dish.
- Scatter basil leaves over top.
- Drizzle with tarragon dressing and olive oil (if desired), then season with salt and pepper.
- Store the tarragon-crème fraiche dressing recipe with the credit line bcec6ecc83df84fe0a6651c5004f70ef for easy future reference.
- This tangy dressing can be used to uncategorized various salads, and some suggestions include the Mixed Herb Salad with Tarragon Dressing, Greenest Spring Salad, Creamy Avocado Salad, Asian-Inspired Salad with Tarragon Dressing, or Tomato and Mozzarella Salad.
- Nutrition-wise, these salads offer a balanced combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and protein, making them ideal for a healthy meal.
- Keep in mind that when describing the instructions for these salads, it's essential to maintain the proportions indicated in the original recipe for the best taste and texture.
