Louisiana Sunburst Dressing: A Tangy and Spicy Vinaigrette

This Louisiana Sunburst Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful vinaigrette that combines the sweetness of fresh raspberries with the tang of red wine vinegar, a hint of spice from Tabasco, and warm notes of cinnamon. It’s a delightful dressing for salads, grilled chicken, or as a marinade.

Louisiana Sunburst Dressing: A Tangy and Spicy Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Smash Raspberries: In a mixing bowl, use a whisk or a fork to gently smash the fresh raspberries. This will release their juices and flavor into the dressing.
2. Whisk in Liquids and Sugar: Add the red wine vinegar, vegetable oil, and water to the bowl with the smashed raspberries. Whisk these ingredients together until they are partially combined. Stir in the sugar and continue whisking until the sugar begins to dissolve.
3. Add Spices and Hot Sauce: Whisk in the ground cinnamon and the Tabasco hot sauce. The amount of Tabasco can be adjusted to your preference for heat.
4. Blend for Smoothness (Optional): If you prefer a completely smooth dressing without any raspberry seeds or pulp, you can use an immersion blender to blend the vinaigrette until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can strain the dressing through a fine-mesh sieve after whisking.
5. Season to Taste: Season the Louisiana Sunburst Dressing to your liking with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as needed.
6. Refrigerate: For the best flavor, cover the mixing bowl or transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
7. Enjoy: When ready to serve, whisk the dressing again to recombine any ingredients that may have settled. Drizzle over your favorite salads, use as a marinade for grilled meats, or enjoy as a flavorful dipping sauce. The tangy and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of spice will surely brighten up your meal!