Ras el hanout, meaning “top of the shop” in Arabic, is a fragrant North African spice blend that’s incredibly versatile and adds a depth of flavor to any dish. Today, we’re taking this aromatic spice blend and turning it into a vibrant salad dressing that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the bustling souks of Morocco. This recipe is easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, and the result is a salad dressing that’s bursting with exotic flavors, perfect for adding a touch of adventure to your meals.
The Magic of Ras el Hanout Salad Dressing
What makes this salad dressing so special is its unique blend of sweet, savory, and warm spices. The ras el hanout brings together flavors like cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and turmeric, creating a symphony of taste that complements a wide variety of ingredients.
I remember the first time I tasted ras el hanout. I was traveling through Morocco, and the aroma of this spice blend wafted from every corner, filling the air with a sense of warmth and excitement. I was immediately captivated by its complexity and depth.
This salad dressing is my homage to that incredible culinary experience, a way to bring the magic of Moroccan flavors to your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ras el hanout
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Ras el hanout dressing ingredients
Let’s Get Started:
Making the Ras el Hanout Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ras el hanout, honey/maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling Your Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, mint leaves, and cilantro leaves.
- Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ras el Hanout Salad:
- Toast your spices: For an even more intense flavor, lightly toast the ras el hanout spice blend in a dry pan over low heat for a couple of minutes before making the dressing.
- Balance is key: Taste your dressing and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If it’s too tangy, add a touch more honey. If it’s not spicy enough, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Don’t overdress: Start by adding half of the dressing to your salad and toss gently. You can always add more if needed.
Mixed green salad with ras el hanout dressing
FAQs About Ras el Hanout Dressing Salad:
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can use goat cheese, crumbled queso fresco, or even toasted slivered almonds for a crunchy alternative.
A Salad to Impress
This Ras el hanout dressing salad is more than just a side dish, it’s an experience. It’s a delicious way to explore new flavors and impress your family and friends with your culinary creativity. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on a flavor adventure to Morocco!
What are your favorite ways to use ras el hanout? Share your culinary creations and thoughts in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out other delicious salad recipes on Family Cuisine!
