I’m about to tell you something very controversial. I may lose a few friends and followers…but I have to say it: I don’t like Pumpkin Spice Lattes. *pause for gasps and indignant murmuring*
I just don’t get it. To me, the flavor lies more in it’s scent – you smell it more than you taste it. And the taste is like warm milk with spices. Also, warm milk grosses me out. And now it’s that time of year again where the Pumpkin spice craze is sweeping the food world (Pumpkin Spice Oreos? Really?).
What makes is worse is that because I’m a caffeine junkie, friends and family just assume that I love PSLs (Pumpkin Spice Lattes). A few years ago I was in New York in October so the ads were everywhere and every time my brother or husband bought a PSL, they’d ask me “want a sip?” until I had a minor meltdown in a random Starbucks along the lines of “NO, I do not EVER want a SIP of a PSL so STAAAHHHP ASKING!!” Now it’s a running joke and the Pumpkin Spice K-cups in my house are purposely left on the rack just for me. They’re so thoughtful. I do occasionally have my pumpkin revenge though – usually when it’s Rabin’s turn to get groceries, I write ‘pepitas’ instead of pumpkin seeds on the list and it gets him really confused in the supermarket *evil laughter*
The funny thing is, I don’t hate pumpkin or pumpkin type food though. I make a pretty great Pumpkin Mac & Cheese (excessive humility really is a flaw of mine) and I have more than one pumpkin bread / muffin recipe saved and ready to try. But there’s just something about that drink!
Anyways, to show that Pumpkin and I don’t have a beef (can I say that about a vegetable?), I’m sharing my warm weather twist on Pumpkin – A Pumpkin Seed Oil Vinaigrette. I saw this at Trader Joe’s a while back. I passed it on the shelf, picked it up, put it down and did a lap around the store. But I passed it again (man, taking a lap really screws you over) and decided that I didn’t want to regret not buying it when I had the chance.
I know what you’re going to say though. Vinaigrette again? Ah well, what can I say… I’m kind of in that phase right now. Also, I’m starting to think that trying out a vinaigrette is the first step to really becoming familiar with an oil. You have the opportunity to taste a milder version of the flavor and not be overwhelmed by the oiliness of it all. Even better, you get to pour it on neutral-ish tasting foods and see what works and what doesn’t. You’ll know that I recently tried out Avocado Oil and also Walnut oil, so I may be on the brink of a oil obsession – Oilsession? Does that work?
Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. Pumpkin Seed Oil
1 1/2 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together. Pour on prepared salad or vegetable of your choice.
I have to say though that I’m pretty surprised at the colour of the oil. It’s a deep greenish so it surprises you a bit when you first pour it out, but I got over it pretty quickly. Thanks Trader Joe’s and suck it, PSLs. I’m quite happy with all the other variations of you! (Except pumpkin pie. That’s another story.)
Anyway have a great Friday and a great weekend!
I'll Cook, You Wash 
Hahah! You have company in me, Indira! I so agree that there is something so off putting about the scent of pumpkin spices- at least the ones sold in supermarkets and in processed foods.
This vinaigrette, however, looks great. Love the red pepper flakes!
No, you don’t say!! But I love pumpkin latte! But, can we still be BFF? Aditi? Indira? Please say yes… 🙂
Vinaigrette sounds awesome!!
Hehehe Aditi, I’m so happy that one of my first comments was anti psl! Angie, don’t worry, we’re still friends! If you ask me whether id like a sip of your latte though, I’m not liable for my actions 🙂
When you come over, I’ll serve you Kahlua latte, instead, how’s that? Been drinking it now for 2 weeks. I’m swearing off pumpkin in honor of you and Aditi. 🙂
Oh yes!!! Kahlua all day every day! Lol and so sweet of you to swear off the pumpkin… You can’t drink it, just don’t offer me any 😀
It sounds good to me! I always make my own salad dressings. I just picked up a pumpkin balsamic that is absolutely delicious! Pinning this! Thanks for linking it up with us at #FoodieFridays!
That sounds delicious actually! I’ve never heard of it so would love to see some recipes incorporating the pumpkin balsamic. Thanks for the kind words 🙂
[…] Indira […]
I think phases our the best because when your through, you’ll have a ton of amazing vinaigrette recipes. I don’t like the PSL either. Well, technically, I’ve never investigated if I could even drink it, but I don’t like coffee, soooo there that goes. My mom LOVES them though. Last year I bought one of those decorate your own Starbucks ornaments and made her a PSL one. She orders the “skinny” PSL; I think it’s slightly less sweet. 🙂
Happy FF, and have a wonderful weekend!
Lol that’s so cute – I’ve never seen the decorate your own Starbucks ornament. I had bought the advent calendar one year which was beautiful but slightly disappointing since it advertised ‘surprises’ and I got the same chocolate every day with about 3 or 4 coupons overall. If you see the ornaments this year, I’d appreciate a link… I’ll probably make it for myself though lol! Thanks for the phase support, I didn’t look at it that way 🙂
I’ll definitely try to remember! 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
I will try not to judge for your hatred of pumpkin spice! I’ve never actually tried a PSL because I hate coffee, but I love pumpkin spice everything – when I’m baking I of course make my own pumpkin spice, but I would probably devour those oreos too!
I love pumpkin without the spice too though and I would definitely drizzle this vinaigrette over everything I possibly could!
Thanks Michelle! I always see the pumpkin pie spice in stores but I always pass it cause I plan to make it at home by myself, but then I never do. And then I see the requirement for pumpkin spice in a recipe and I think that it’s too much effort to make that and then make the recipe. I’m such a defeatist! Lol
Haha you should definitely do it one day, see if it converts you!
Hehhe I wouldn’t bet on it though! Lol
Indira, I don’t like PSLs either. I like my pumpkin straight up or in muffins or, of course, pie. I must say I have never ever bought pumpkin oil . . . but of course now I am convinced that I need it! Wonderful post here, and thank you for bringing to the party!
Thanks Sue! I love finding new things to try and this was definitely one of them. Happy FF!
Hahaha! I so agree! Although I love love pumpkin- I do not like the imitation pumpkin that’s put in all the drinks- Oreos?!?!- etc. this oil looks amazing- my kind of pumpkin, too! 😉
😀 yep, I saw that there’s some special edition Oreos out now. Everyone is jumping on that pumpkin spice bandwagon! Lol. You’re right though, that imitation pumpkin tastes so fake :s
This really had me laughing!! 🙂 Loved reading your post! I hate coffee in general….latte or no latte…pumpkin in it or no pumpkin in it. 😉 Your pumpkin seed oil vinaigrette looks wonderful! Saving the recipe!
Thanks Lori! I’m actually surprised by the number of people that have commented so far that don’t like coffee. But I won’t judge… More for me! Lol
Interesting recipe! It’ll be great to have in the mix as fall comes and I”m still pumping out salads. Thanks for this!
You’re welcome! Glad I could be of help 🙂
PSL? No, thank you! Pumpkin Seed Oil Vinaigrette…yes, please! Sounds delicious…and those photos are gorgeous, Indira!
Thanks Nancy! I’ve been trying to up my photo game recently lol
PSL sounds like a disease 🙂 I tend to eat my pumpkin too. I don’t visit the coffee shops because of the money and calories that they involve. This vinaigrette sounds delicious Indira!
Hehehe that’s another valid point for staying away from PSLs! I’ll never say no to extra cash in my pocket! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m not a pumpkin spice latte kind of girl either, Indira! But I do love pumpkin desserts – pies, cookies. Yum! But latte. No thank you. lol. I would never thought to see pumpkin seed oil to create a vinaigrette. It sounds so amazing and perfect for the fall. Thanks for bringing this vinaigrette to Fiesta Friday! I’ll be pouring it on my salad! Happy Fiesta Friday!
Lol thanks Andrea. I do have a lot of different ideas on ways to use pumpkin this season, and drinks are definitely not on the list! Never had a pumpkin cookie so would appreciate any recipe that you might have 🙂
I’m trying to be creative with pumpkin this year. lol. And I’ve been asking my friends if they think certain combinations will turn out well if I use them together. I can’t wait to see more of your pumpkin recipes =)
I totally feel you! I’ve been looking for a way to use espresso powder and pumpkin just may be the solution! Lol. I made these pumpkin bars last night and it came out beautifully! Will share the recipe soon. If you find a great combo, do share! 🙂
I can’t wait to see that recipe! It sounds amazing. =)
I do love me a pumpkin spice latte, but we are still friends 🙂 This vinaigrette sounds delicious. Can’t wait to give it a try!
Thanks Sarah 😀 …I won’t judge you for liking psls either hehehe. Thanks for the kids words, would love a review if you try it!
Great post Indira, the flavors sound refreshing and I’ll bet have a nice zip to it! Your photo presentations are wonderful too. Happy FF!
Thanks Loretta! Its a nice flavour without being too heavy – it keeps the salad light and summery too. I hope you try it! Happy FF!
I’m totally with you on the PSL thing. If I want pudding, I don’t order a coffee. Thanks for introducing me to this oil and vinaigrette. That I know I would like.
Hehehe that’s a perfect way to put it, Hilda! Thanks and you’re welcome – I do hope you like it!
I’m with you on the PSLs. I hate to even see the advertisements. Kinda makes me gag a little. But I won’t pass up pumpkin in 100s of other ways. I’m going yo try your Pumpkin Cauliflower soup soon. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks Tracey! I hope you like it, and would love a review of the recipe when you do!
You’re so funny, Indira! I don’t drink PSLs either, but not because I have any aversion to them, I just find most of those drinks so crazy sweet! I love the sound of your vinaigrette, though and can’t wait to try it! I think pumpkin season is creeping up on us, isn’t it? 🙂
🙂 thanks Julianna! Yep I used to be able to drink all those flavored drinks when I was younger but now I find a lot of them (especially the cold ones) to be very sweet. Thanks for the kind words, let me know what you think of it if you try it! Also, yes! I’m also already thinking about the other pumpkin recipes I can try out lol
I see another trip to Trader Joe’s in my future! This looks like a wonderful vinaigrette. I am also not a fan of PSL, of course I don’t like coffee! My mom loves coffee but can’t stand PSL though. Now, anything else pumpkin I am all over…Mac and cheese, cheesecake, bread, muffins..,I am so excited it is nearly pumpkin season. I really hope my pumpkins grow in the garden, I have so many plans.
That sounds great! I plan to plant pumpkin soon too. I have zucchini and tomatoes so far but pumpkin is next on my list! Made a great pumpkin cake last nigt so will share the recipe soon!
[…] you want a heartier, more fall-type salad, or basically just want to use up extras, you can use the Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil Vinaigrette I posted about a while back instead. It totally […]