Oil Free Sweet Onion and Cider Dressing

Salad dressings are generally full of things like oil and sugars, but not this one!

By combining sweet onions with apple cider, which is all over the stores right now, and a few other common ingredients, you can make your own dressing that is full of taste but has no oil at all. The sugar in this dressing comes from the apple cider, which you can definitely use less of by cutting it with water if you think it’s too sweet for you. You can also add the optional white vinegar to give it an extra tang and cut the sweetness. I like white balsamic, but any white vinegar will work or even apple cider vinegar.

I like using the turmeric to give it the vivid color, but it’s not strictly necessary for the taste. Without the turmeric, the dressing is kind of a dull color. If you don’t have dijon mustard, any kind will work including ground mustard.  If you are using the ground mustard, remember to cut the amount by one third, since any time you use dried, ground spices and herbs, they are stronger than fresh.

Finally, this recipe works as a marinade as well as a dressing, so don’t be afraid to make the full recipe as it will go quickly!

Ingredients:

• 3 large Vidalia onions
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 teaspoons dijon mustard (or mustard of choice)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 Tablespoon white balsamic vinegar (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400
2. Peel onions, cut in half then slice thinly.  Place on large baking sheet or pan, sprinkle with salt, then pour cider over.  Seal tightly with foil. Bake 50-60 minutes till tender.
3. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
4. Put all ingredients (except poppy seeds) in blender and puree till smooth.  Adjust salt and pepper.  You can add the balsamic vinegar to cut the sweetness if you want.
5. Add the poppy seeds and STIR, but do not blend.  Refrigerate till ready to use.  Can also be used as a marinade.

Enjoy!