How to Make Cumberland Sauce Dressing Salad: A Zesty Delight for Your Taste Buds

Cumberland sauce, a classic British condiment with a vibrant orange hue, boasts a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that can elevate any dish, especially salads. It’s traditionally served with ham or game but shines just as brightly when drizzled over fresh greens and your favorite salad ingredients. Today, we’ll explore the art of making this zesty sauce from scratch and tossing it with a simple yet delicious salad.

Imagine biting into a crisp salad, the tangy citrus notes of the Cumberland sauce dancing on your palate, followed by the warmth of mustard and spices. It’s a symphony of flavors that’s sure to impress your family and friends! The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Cumberland Sauce:

• 1/2 cup red currant jelly
• 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to your spice preference)

For the Salad:

• 5 ounces mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, romaine)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Cumberland sauce ingredients

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Salad tongs

Instructions

Making the Cumberland Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the red currant jelly and orange juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the jelly is completely melted.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the Dijon mustard, orange zest, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Let the sauce cool slightly to thicken.

Assembling the Salad:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and toasted pecans.
2. Drizzle the desired amount of Cumberland sauce over the salad.
3. Gently toss the salad with tongs until evenly coated.

Mixed greens with Cumberland dressing

Tips and Notes

• For a smoother sauce: Strain the Cumberland sauce through a fine-mesh sieve after whisking in the spices.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the Cumberland sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to add your favorite salad toppings, such as grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or sliced avocado.

Conclusion

With its vibrant color and unforgettable flavor, this Cumberland sauce dressing salad is a beautiful and delicious addition to any meal. It’s a surefire way to impress your guests or elevate your everyday lunch or dinner.

What are your favorite salad toppings? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us on social media by tagging #FamilyCuisine. We’d love to see your masterpiece!