Whole 30: Food Processor Fun (Lemon-Strawberry Vinaigrette & Easy Homemade Mayonnaise)

One of my favorite parts about getting married was the wedding registry. I loved being able to walk through my favorite stores while picking out items to start our future together. Who doesn’t love presents?!

Like most everything I do in life, I researched the necessities for a wedding registry. J was in the USAF living on base and I had recently graduated from college, but was enjoying the luxurious life living with my parents. Seriously, I loved it. That being said, we had nothing to start a home. I was the furthest thing from a chef, but Google was quite adamant that I needed to buy all the things for our kitchen - even if I had no idea how to use them.

One of the best items we were gifted was our blender+food processor. Until a few years ago, it was only used for making margaritas on the fifth of May. My how things change! #adulting

I have been so amazed at all the different things you can make with a food processor. Never in a million years would I have tried to create homemade condiments like mayonnaise or fresh dressings. While prepping for my first round of Whole 30, it was very eye opening at how much crap (sugar, preservatives, etc.) are in simple items like salad dressing. Since there was hardly anything compliant at the grocery store, I tried making my own.

It is easy, cheap, healthy and more flavorful than what you can purchase. Hence, I am excited to share with you a great dressing for the summertime, Lemon-Strawberry Vinaigrette and a recipe for homemade mayo.

Lemon-Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Fixings

• Juice from one lemon
• 1 cup of strawberries
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• A dash of pink Himalayan salt
• A speck of ground red pepper

Fix It

1. Food process all ingredients until smooth.
2. Keep adding salt and red pepper to your liking.

This is a wonderful addition to any salad, especially during the warm months. The fruit adds a bit of sweet and sour, but is not overpowering. Upon processing, the dressing comes out a bit frothy – not too runny. Store it in the fridge and you are all set.

Easy Homemade Mayonnaise

J & I are not huge fans of mayonnaise, but I stumbled upon one recipe in particular that prompted me get crazy and experiment with the food processor. It was well worth it.

Fixings:

• 1 whole egg, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon of sea salt
• ½ teaspoon of ground mustard
• 1 ¼ cup extra light olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Fix It:

Jump on over to Cassidy’s Craveable Creations. She gives great tips and excellent directions to produce the perfect homemade mayo.

Did you know mayonnaise is a great marinade? We have used it to smoke a chicken (it added great flavor and made it extra crispy) and when we grill corn. Surprised? I was too. Google is full of hidden treasures. Much better than store bought, I could not believe how it thickened.

If you have not pulled out your food processor, give it a try. I would love to hear what you use it for!