Harissa Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Red Harissa Vinaigrette
- 2 Tablespoons Red Harissa Paste We use Mina, use spicy or mild to taste
- 2 Tablespoons Vinegar red or white
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 1/4 tesaspoon garlic minced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 Tablespoon cilantro minced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
Green Harissa Vinaigrette
- 2 Tablespoons Green Harissa Paste We use Mina, use spicy or mild to taste
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoons Honey
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic Minced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 Tablespoons Cilantro minced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
Instructions
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Use a small bowl or a mason jar if you'd like.
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Begin by adding the ingredients all together.
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Then shake or whisk until well blended.
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Red Harissa Vinaigrette
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Add all ingredients and whisk.
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Green Harissa Vinaigrette
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Add all ingredients and whisk.
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Make a batch of both and keep them in your fridge. Use red harissa vinaigrette for bold, smoky dishes, and green harissa vinaigrette for bright, fresh meals.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Harissa Vinaigrette Tips
- Start with a high quality harissa paste, we LOVE Mina brand.
- If you like a bolder taste, add a tablespoon extra of harissa paste. Taste and adjust to your preference.
- Depending on how spicy you want your dressing to be, make sure to taste the harissa first. Otherwise you can opt for the mild paste. This way you'll make a not-too-spicy harissa vinaigrette.
- For a creamier vinaigrette, blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini.
- To make the best Aioli, try this Harissa Aioli.
- Drizzle on warm dishes just before serving for maximum flavor impact.
- Store the harissa vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Make sure to shake well the mixture before using to emulsify the dressing again.
- If you feel the olive oil has hardened in the fridge, that's a good sign as it means you're using good quality. In that case, bring the dressing to room temperature before using on salads.
What does harissa vinaigrette taste like?
It’s smoky, spicy, tangy, garlicky and slightly sweet, with a chili flavor balanced by vinegar and olive oil.
Is harissa vinaigrette very spicy?
It depends on the harissa you used to start with. The brand we use is MINA and they have a mild and spicy version so pick the one you're comfortable with. You can always adjust the heat level by adding more or less paste.
Can I make it without vinegar?
Yes! We have used lemon juice with the green harissa and it works beautifully for a fresher, citrus-forward flavor.
What can I use instead of harissa?
Pretty much noting. There are harissa powder brands out there, you can opt for that. Likewise you can use my grandpa's viral Hot Pepper Sauce or Chili Oil Recipe, but that will NOT taste the same as the harissa vinaigrette.
What foods pair best with harissa vinaigrette?
Roasted root vegetables, couscous bowls, lentil salads, grilled shrimp, or even as a dip for crusty bread.
Is harissa vinaigrette the same as harissa salad dressing?
Yes, they’re interchangeable terms. Harissa vinaigrette is simply a chili based salad dressing that uses vinegar or lemon for acidity, and uses harissa paste instead of mustard.
Can You Make Harissa Vinaigrette Without Oil?
Yes. Swap the olive oil for Greek yogurt, tahini, or even avocado for a creamy, oil-free option.
Best Salads for Harissa Vinaigrette
It pairs beautifully with many salad recipes here. It's especially tasty with tomatoes so try it with our Tomato Carpaccio! And carrots, so use it with this Honey Glazed Carrots. Also try it with Sweet Potato Salad, Falafel Bowl, Fried Eggplant Salad, Halloumi Cheese Salad.
Harissa Vinaigrette Marinade
Besides salads, this vinaigrette doubles as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just marinate for 30 minutes before grilling or roasting.