Dukkah, a vibrant blend of nuts, seeds, and spices, transforms any salad from ordinary to extraordinary. This fragrant Egyptian condiment adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make a mouthwatering Dukkah-spiced dressing salad that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to assemble.
The Magic of Dukkah
Dukkah originated in Egypt, where it’s traditionally enjoyed by dipping bread into olive oil and then into the spice mixture. The beauty of Dukkah lies in its versatility – it can be sprinkled over roasted vegetables, used as a crust for fish or chicken, or, as we’re doing today, incorporated into a vibrant salad dressing.
This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of texture in their salads. The crunchy Dukkah adds a delightful contrast to fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, making every bite a symphony of flavors.
Gathering Your Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dukkah:
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup almonds, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons prepared Dukkah
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small skillet
- Food processor or blender
- Salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
Let’s Make Some Dukkah Magic!
Step 1: Toasting the Nuts and Seeds
Place the hazelnuts, almonds, sesame seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and peppercorns in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned.
Tip: Keep a close eye on the pan, as nuts and seeds can burn quickly.
Step 2: Creating the Dukkah Blend
Transfer the toasted nuts and seeds to a food processor or blender. Add the sea salt and pulse a few times until the mixture is coarsely ground. You want some texture, so avoid over-processing.
Tip: You can adjust the coarseness of the Dukkah to your liking. If you prefer a finer texture, pulse for a few seconds longer.
dukkah spice blend
Step 3: Assembling the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
Step 4: Whisking Up the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, water, honey (if using), Dijon mustard, and prepared Dukkah. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: The Grand Finale
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Tip: It’s best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
salad with dukkah dressing
Tips for Dukkah Success
- Storage: Store any leftover Dukkah in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different nuts and seeds in your Dukkah. Pistachios, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are delicious additions.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of peppercorns to your liking. For a milder Dukkah, reduce the amount by half.
Dukkah-licious!
Congratulations! You’ve just mastered the art of making a Dukkah-spiced dressing salad. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, leaving them craving for more. So go ahead, embrace your inner chef, and whip up this delightful salad today. Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with us in the comments below! Happy cooking!
