Are you on the oil-free train? If so this oil free balsamic pomegranate vinaigrette salad dressing is perfect for creating epic not boring salads!
So what do I mean by oil free? Well there is a whole debate currently going on (okay maybe just in the circles I run in…). It’s about oil. And is it healthy or not for you?
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I have to admit that a few months ago this oil free debate was not even on my radar. But then I heard Matt from No Meat Athlete talk about it…and then I started to hear it pop up in more and more conversations.
It’s like one of those things that when you are aware of something, you keep hearing it over and over again. (or like when you buy a new car and sudden you see everyone has that same car!)
So is oil healthy?
Well, it is oil and processed. So probably not.
But what if you don’t have weight, heart issues or any other health issues?
Is it still okay for you to use…to consume?
Well, I don’t have all the answers for you. I believe this is a personal decision we must all come to our own conclusions. But I can tell you why we are using a lot less oil in our house!
- We are using less oil because of these reasons:
- Is not as heart healthy as it is made out to be
- It is calorically dense compared to other foods
- It is not a whole food
- You wear what you eat…
And there are a lot of other whole food ‘fats’ out there to be consumed! Think avocados, nuts, nut butters, tahini.
Now we have not gone completely oil Рfree. But we do minimally use it Рand this has been an adjustment determining new ways to saut̩, grill and make dressings!
Salad Dressings With Oil
And occasionally we do have oil in our salad dressings! We have many recipes even on this blog for dressings that do have oil!
Strawberry Lime Chipotle Vinaigrette
It’s important to do your oil-free research…
I encourage you to do your own research and find your own balance. There are so many good resources out there from well known doctors, here are a few:
Dr. Joel Fuhrman: Olive Oil is Not a Health Food
Dr. Greger: What about Extra Virgin OIive Oil
Oil Free Salad Dressings
So now that we have that oil free discussion out of the way, let’s talk about this oil free balsamic pomegranate vinaigrette! You won’t even miss the oil, I promise. It is tangy, sweet, thick and oh so good with tahini which gives it a slight nutty taste. Make this for your holiday table this Christmas season!
I used this dressing with a spinach salad topped with avocado slices, oil-free roasted delicata squash with apples, pomegranate arils and toasted
pecans/walnuts. But it would also be great with mixed greens or arugula!
Here are some other oil free options on our Bad to the Bowl blog:
32 Oil Free Vegan Recipes
Oil Free Kale Salad with Almond Butter Lime Dressing
If you make this recipe we would love to know!
Oil-Free Balsamic Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tblsp Tahini
- 1 Tblsp sweet onion, minced
- 1 Tblsp. dijon mustard
- 3 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender and blend well.
- Use to top a fresh spinach salad with roasted delicata squash, toasted pecans, avocado slices and pomegranate arils.
Notes
- Roasted Delicata Squash: Slice squash in slices. Toss in bowl with small amount of minced garlic, amino acids/ or vegetable broth. Place on pan lined with parchment paper. Roast in oven at 425 for 30 minutes or until tender.
