Harissa Vinaigrette: Spice Up Your Salads

The bold Harissa Vinaigrette satisfies my craving for pure heat in a dressing. Unlike the chipotle honey vinaigrette I often encounter, this option delivers smoky spice without any sugary undertones.

Harissa Vinaigrette recipe

Harissa vinaigrette is a dressing that incorporates harissa, a North African chili paste. Unlike a chipotle honey vinaigrette that balances spice with a sugary hint, this dressing delivers a straight-up spicy, smoky flavor.

Harissa itself can vary in heat depending on the type used (mild to spicy). The vinaigrette retains this spiciness but is generally milder than pure harissa due to the dilution with oil and acidic components like lemon juice or vinegar. This is how to make the Harissa vinaigrette:

Harissa Vinaigrette

A zesty, North African-inspired salad dressing that packs a flavorful punch. Made with a blend of aromatic spices, tangy vinegar, and rich olive oil, this vinaigrette can liven up many dishes.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine African

Servings 4

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp harissa paste adjust to your spice preference
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist
• 1 tsp honey optional, if you prefer a hint of sweetness
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), honey (if using), and ground cumin.
• Continue whisking until all ingredients are well combined and the vinaigrette is smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

• You can adjust the harissa paste to make it milder or spicier depending on your taste.
• For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a clove of minced garlic or a pinch of smoked paprika.

Keyword harissa vinaigrette, healthy salad dressing, homemade salad dressing, low-calorie dressing, spicy recipe

How to serve and pair

Pair harissa dressing with fresh vegetables, salads, bread, seafood, or grilled meats for delicious results.

Usage and applications

1. Traditional Uses

– Couscous Enhancement

• Light drizzle before serving
• Mixed into fluffy grains
• Served alongside as condiment

– Grilled Meat Accompaniment

• Brushed during grilling
• Served as dipping sauce
• Mixed into marinades

2. Modern Adaptations

Pairing suggestions

1. Proteins

Grilled Meats

• Lamb:
  • Butterflied leg of lamb
  • Grilled lamb chops
  • Lamb kebabs
• Chicken:
  • Spatchcocked whole chicken
  • Grilled chicken thighs
  • Chicken skewers
• Beef:
  • Flank steak
  • Ribeye
  • Beef tenderloin

Fish and Seafood

• Whitefish
  • Sea bass
  • Halibut
  • Cod
• Shellfish
  • Grilled shrimp
  • Seared scallops
  • Steamed mussels
• Oily Fish
  • Salmon
  • Mackerel
  • Tuna

2. Vegetables

Roasted Vegetables

Fresh Salads

• Green Salads
  • Baby kale with toasted almonds
  • Mixed herbs with citrus segments
  • Arugula with roasted chickpeas
• Grain-Based Salads
  • Pearl couscous with roasted vegetables
  • Quinoa with preserved lemon
  • Farro with grilled vegetables

Grilled Vegetables

Grilling Guide:

• Quick-Cooking Vegetables (3-5 minutes)
  • Zucchini planks
  • Eggplant slices
  • Bell pepper quarters
• Medium-Cook Vegetables (8-10 minutes)
  • Portobello mushrooms
  • Thick onion slices
  • Fennel wedges
• Longer-Cook Vegetables (12-15 minutes)
  • Sweet potato rounds
  • Butternut squash planks
  • Whole small eggplants

3. Breads

• Traditional Flatbreads
  • Pita pockets with dressed vegetables
  • Lavash wraps with grilled proteins
  • Naan dipping with extra vinaigrette
• Modern Applications
  • Grilled flatbread pizzas
  • Open-faced sandwiches
  • Bread salad (fattoush style)

Variations

Harissa vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can be adapted in various ways to suit different tastes and dishes. Here are some popular variations and ideas for customizing your harissa dressing:

1. Creamy Version: Add 1 tablespoon or more of Greek yogurt

2. Hot Harissa Vinaigrette:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper
• Add red pepper flakes

3. Herb Infusion

• Dried oregano
• Dried mint
• Fresh herbs

4. Spices Additions

• Add roasted garlic cloves or shallots
• Create a deeper flavor

Discover More:

Citrus Vinaigrette: A Tangy Twist for Salads Tarragon Vinaigrette: The Secret to Bold Salads Greek Dressing Made Easy for Vibrant Salads Carrot Ginger Dressing Recipe: A Flavorful Twist for Your Salads Champagne Vinaigrette: Light & Lively Blueberry Vinaigrette: Purple Paradise