How to Use Vanilla Bean Seed Paste?
Many people might only know that vanilla bean seed paste is commonly used in baked desserts, but they may not realize that it can also serve as a simple and healthy seasoning companion. This article will show you how to use vanilla bean seed paste together with unsweetened yogurt to create a refreshing and natural salad dressing! This vanilla yogurt salad dressing not only brings out the natural aroma of vanilla but also adds a smooth texture to salads, allowing you to enjoy a low-sugar, low-calorie flavor combination.
Ingredients for Vanilla Yogurt Salad Dressing
- Vanilla bean seed paste 5g (Adjust the amount to your taste for a stronger flavor)
- Yogurt 100g
- Lettuce, fruits, and nuts of your choice (this recipe uses lettuce, avocado, grapes, kiwi, blueberries, tomatoes, croutons, nuts, and cranberries)
If you prefer a bit of sweetness, you can add some honey to add more depth to the flavor.
How to Choose Vanilla Products
When making cold dressings, the most suitable vanilla product is vanilla bean seed paste.
Plain vanilla beans themselves require heating to fully release their aroma, whereas vanilla bean seed paste has been concentrated to retain the natural flavor of vanilla and can release its fragrance without heating. Other products, such as vanilla powder, are not very suitable because their granularity can affect the smooth texture of the salad dressing, and although vanilla extract has a strong aroma, its alcoholic note is too pronounced, making it unsuitable for salad dressings!
Vanilla Bean Paste – Buy Here
How to Make Vanilla Yogurt Salad Dressing
Preparation of Ingredients
Wash the lettuce and fruits, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and place them in a colander to drain the water. Make sure that the lettuce and fruits are completely dry to prevent the salad dressing from becoming too watery and affecting the texture!
It is recommended to use lettuce paired with a variety of fruits, as unsweetened yogurt has a slightly tart taste that can be balanced by the sweetness of the fruits.
If you are preparing breakfast, you can set up the ingredients the day before so that they are ready to eat in the morning. However, note that some fruits may oxidize and change color; you can brush them with a little lemon juice or soak them in diluted salt water to prevent oxidation.
Prepare the Vanilla Yogurt Sauce
Add the vanilla bean seed paste to the unsweetened yogurt and mix thoroughly with a spoon or stirring rod until the paste is evenly distributed throughout the yogurt and its fragrance is fully released.
You can adjust the amount of vanilla bean seed paste according to your personal taste. If you find unsweetened yogurt too tart and wish to add sweetness, you can mix in some honey at the end.
Toss the Salad
Take a portion of the vanilla yogurt dressing and drizzle it over the prepared lettuce, fruits, and avocado. Gently toss the salad so that the dressing evenly coats every piece of lettuce and every piece of fruit (tossing well initially ensures a more even flavor). Finally, after serving, you can add a little extra vanilla yogurt dressing and honey according to your taste to enhance the aroma and sweetness.
Finally, you can also add crushed nuts, raisins, or croutons to enhance the texture, which is also a great option.
Usage and Storage of Vanilla Yogurt Sauce
The vanilla yogurt sauce has a natural aroma and a smooth texture, making it a versatile and healthy condiment. It can be used to dress a variety of salads or served as a light accompaniment for breakfast with cereal, berries, or nuts. When used in desserts, this vanilla yogurt sauce can also be drizzled over French toast, pancakes, or ice cream as a healthier alternative to chocolate and syrup.
Additionally, vanilla yogurt sauce is very simple to make, so it is not recommended to prepare it in large quantities since yogurt has a short shelf life. It’s best to make only as much as you need when you're ready to enjoy it!
