Harissa Vinaigrette

If you’re looking to step up your dressing game, this harissa vinaigrette recipe is bright and smokey, with pepper and citrus notes found throughout. It comes together in less than 5 minutes, and it tastes great poured over salads and grain bowls, or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish!

What Is Harissa?

Harissa is a hot chili paste that originated in Tunisia, North Africa, and it is frequently used in northern African and Middle Eastern cooking. It is commonly used for its vibrant red color and to add heat and flavor to dips and marinades. Depending on where you go shopping, you may come across harissa sauce, harissa powder, or harissa paste. So what is the difference between them?

• Harissa Paste – While no two harissa paste recipes are the same, they typically include dried red chiles, garlic, an acid like vinegar or citrus, extra virgin olive oil, and spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds.

• Harissa Powder – Harissa powder is a dried version of the spices and peppers used to make harissa paste.

• Harissa Sauce – Harissa sauce is a thinned-out version of harissa paste that usually has more olive oil and a saucier consistency. It also does not taste as strong as the condensed version you get with harissa paste.

It is important to note that every brand of harissa has a different heat level, so some can be very mild with little to no heat, while others will leave you wondering if your mouth is on fire. So always taste test and start with a little before adding more!

What Is Harissa Dressing?

Harissa dressing is made like a traditional vinaigrette, with the addition of either harissa sauce or harissa paste. A traditional vinaigrette is one part vinegar to three parts oil, and this is the ratio we use in this recipe.

This bright red condiment is so versatile and tasty, you will want to play around with it and use it on a bunch of different recipes!

You may want to try it:

• On salads

• As a marinade for chicken, pork, steak, fish

• Drizzled over chicken, fish or roasted potatoes

• In grain bowls and burrito bowls

• As a dip for bread

• Drizzled over small pasta like orzo

• In stews

• In hummus or drizzled over the top

It’s so quick and easy to make, all you have to do is place everything in a jar and shake it up!

The Healthy Ingredients

This harissa vinaigrette recipe is actually super healthy! Let’s go over some of the health benefits of the ingredients.

• Harissa – Whether you are using harissa paste or harissa sauce, harissa is full of whole foods and spices that will nourish your body. The chili peppers in harissa contain capsaicin which is studied for its heart health benefits and its ability to lower blood pressure and boost metabolism.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – One peer-reviewed journal that analyzed many studies on extra virgin olive oil and cardiovascular disease found that extra virgin olive oil plays a role as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory nutrient that may contribute to lowering the risk of atherosclerotic disease.

• Garlic – Garlic is part of the allium family, along with onions. Garlic contains antioxidants that improve oxidative damage from free radicals and may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

• Paprika – This powerful red spice contains vitamin A, capsaicin, and carotenoid antioxidants. It is loved by many for its potential to promote healthy vision and reduce inflammation in the body.

• White Wine Vinegar – White wine vinegar is high in polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants that have been studied for their potential ability to reduce cancer risk by neutralizing free radicals in the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Use Harissa Paste In This Recipe?

To use harissa paste, start with only 1 -2 tsp and increase from there. Depending on the brand, it could be very spicy and strong flavored, so starting small and working your way up will prevent you from going overboard with the paste!

Can I Use A Different Type Of Vinegar?

Yes, you definitely can. White wine vinegar is the vinegar I recommend, as it compliments the flavors of harissa well, but you can absolutely use rice wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. I wouldn’t use distilled white vinegar as it can be very strong and overpowering, and I also wouldn’t use a colored vinegar like balsamic or red wine vinegar.

WOULD LEMON BE GOOD IN This?

I love adding lemon to salad dressings for a little extra zing. The harissa sauce that I used was actually pretty acidic to begin with, so I did not feel the need to add lemon. But if you use harissa paste, or if you just want a little extra lemon flavor, you can absolutely squeeze in some lemon juice! As with everything, start with a little bit and add more from there as needed.

Can I Make My Own Harissa?

You definitely can! A great recipe that you can go to is this Easy Harissa Recipe by the Mediterranean Dish.

Is Harissa Vegan?

Yes, harissa is made out of dried red chiles, garlic, citrus, olive oil, and spices, so it is most definitely vegan! But to make sure, read the label of the harissa you use.

Tips For Success Making Harissa Vinaigrette

My best tips for making this a successful vinaigrette recipe are:

• Taste test your harissa prior to using it.

Every brand of harissa tastes widely different from the next, and you need to taste test yours to determine how spicy it is and how condensed the flavors are. Harissa sauce is usually milder than harissa paste, but you still want to taste it to see if it needs more heat or flavor, or if you don’t want to use the recommended amount.

• Start with a small amount, taste test, and then add more as needed.

You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s added! This goes along with taste testing your harissa before using it.

How To Store This Spicy Harissa Vinaigrette

This recipe should be stored in an airtight container like a mason jar or a Tupperware for 3-5 days in the refrigerator due to the perishable ingredients like garlic. Make sure to shake it up well prior to serving again, as it will separate when sitting in the refrigerator.

More Recipes You Will Love

Did you make this recipe?  It would mean so much to me if you would rate it below the recipe card and tag me in your creation on Instagram so I can admire your work! @RecipeHippie