Are you tired of store-bought dressings filled with artificial ingredients and underwhelming flavor? Then get ready to elevate your salads and marinades with this incredibly easy and delicious homemade white balsamic dressing! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick and healthy way to add a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor to your meals. It's the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, and incredibly versatile – you'll wonder why you ever bought bottled dressing again! This easy recipe is perfect for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and homemade cooking enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, or thyme)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If using fresh herbs, add them now.
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Emulsify with Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking constantly. This emulsification process creates a creamy, smooth dressing. If using a jar, close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or salt and pepper to your preference.
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Serve Immediately or Store: This dressing is best served immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Remember to give it a good shake before using as the oil and vinegar may separate.
Tips and Variations:
- For a creamier dressing: Add 1-2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Citrus Burst: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note.
- Roasted Garlic: Use roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor. Simply roast a whole head of garlic until soft and caramelized, then squeeze out the cloves and mince before adding to the dressing.
- Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with different herbs! Chives, parsley, and dill are also excellent additions.
This delicious and versatile white balsamic dressing is one of the best recipes for elevating your everyday meals. From simple salads to grilled vegetables and even as a marinade for chicken or fish, the possibilities are endless. It’s a perfect example of how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be, offering delicious dishes and healthy meals without a lot of fuss. Make this a staple in your refrigerator for quick dinner ideas and impress your family and friends with a simple yet elegant touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on oil and added ingredients)
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100-150mg
- Carbohydrates: 2-4g
- Sugar: 2-4g
- Protein: 0-1g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.