Description
A creamy, autumnal salad dressing that combines pumpkin puree with maple syrup for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for fall salads with bitter greens, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling; I love Libby’s brand)
- ½ cup cider vinegar (a must for tanginess)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (look for grade A for a lighter flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (to give it a subtle kick)
- 1 clove garlic (minced) (fresh garlic elevates the profile)
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt (I often use Maldon Sea Salt)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for that lovely warmth)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (homemade is best, but store-bought works too)
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¾ teaspoon herbes de Provence or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (for a savory touch)
- 1 cup good olive oil (extra virgin is your best choice for flavor)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vinegar, mustard, shallot, garlic, pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper.
- Process until smooth, about 30 seconds.
- With the machine running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until emulsified.
- If dressing is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a creamier version, add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- Dressing thickens when chilled – whisk in 1 tsp water at a time if needed after refrigeration
- Pairs beautifully with kale, spinach, or arugula salads with apples, walnuts, and goat cheese
- Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg