Let us consider the vinaigrette for a moment. Many of our thoughts immediately shifted to salads and then thought “What else would I think of, Alex?” I am here to let you in on a little secret — there is a multitude of ways to use this simple dressing as a way to add another layer to a recipe.
Some other vehicles that can be livened up by a simple vinaigrette:
- Drizzle over grilled or roasted vegetables
- Transform simple chopped up fruit into an epic dessert or noteworthy salad
- Top a humble protein
- Elevate the flavor of a pizza
- Dress your greens before you tuck them inside a burger or sandwich
- Top various appetizers (canapes, bruschetta) for what some would consider a totally new appetizer
- Throw everything you have in your fridge into a grain bowl where the dressing is the only thing that makes it different from the exact same dinner yesterday
- Craft a marinade for meats, fish, cheese or vegetarian proteins
- Turn room temperature grains into show-stopping sides
- Soaked into a thick bread for a stunning sandwich condiment
Now that you are intrigued, let’s go beyond the basic combination of balsamic and EVOO…
THE ONLY VINAIGRETTE FORMULA YOU NEED
- 3 Parts Oil :: 1 Part Vinegar
- Salt + Pepper
- Shake or Whisk with a fork or, better yet, blend!
The formula above will give you a basic vinaigrette. One you are going to want to eat immediately so that it doesn’t break and leave you with many oily bites and a few vinegar-laden bites. If you are hoping to fix this problem you need to add an Emulsifier. Adding in even a tiny bit before you shake will suspend the vinegar in the oil and keep your mixture together. Check out some emulsifier ideas below!
How much Emulsifier?
1 teaspoon per 1/2 cup. This is just enough to help bind the dressing. If you are wanting a “Creamy Dressing” you are going to need to pump up that emulsifier.
*Let’s note, however, that some vinegars are stronger than others. Always taste after your initial mixing to adjust to your personal preference.
Tasting Tip — Dip a bit of the lettuce, roasted veggie, protein in the mix. This will give you a better sense of the overall dish than just licking it off the fork. With that being said, licking if off the fork is a way better option than not tasting it at all.
Vinegars
Balsamic, Red Wine, White Wine, Apple Cider, Rice Vinegar
Oils
Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil
, Sesame Oil
, Grapeseed Oil
, Walnut Oil
, Hazelnut Oil
, Sunflower Oil
Emulsifiers
Dijon Mustard is the most basic emulsifier. With that being said, there are many other options — Miso, Yogurt, Nut Butters, Tahini, Mayo, Avocado, Anchovies, Olives, Nuts, Seeds, Bacon Fat, Silken Tofu, Grated Garlic, Raw Egg yolk OR yolk of a hard-boiled egg
YOU’VE GOT THE BASICS. LET’S GET CREATIVE.
Pick a Direction::
- Creamy — More Emulsifier/Fats
- “Fresh/Bright” — More Herbs/produce
- Sweet — Sweeter ingredients overall
- Spicy — Throw in a bit of heat
Citrus – Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, Blood Orange, Pomegranate
**BLEND whole but peeled citrus into the dressing to thicken the dressing
For a lighter, thinner dressing juice the citrus before blending or mixing
**Generally, the citrus is added to enhance the vinegar. However, I have made many a vinaigrette where the lemon/lime is a complete substitute. Shh. Don’t tell anyone I’m breaking the rules.
Fresh Herbs — Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Chives, Tarragon
More Aromatics – Ginger, Capers, Shallots
Add some Spices — Tumeric, Curry Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika, Sumac, Chili Flakes
A Touch of Sweet — Honey, White sugar, Brown sugar, Agave, Maple syrup, Fruit preserves
Hide some Extra Fruits — Cherries, Berries, Mango, Apples, Tomatoes (Don’t forget about Frozen produce too)
A lil bit of Spice – Red Chili Flakes, Sambal Oelek, Sriracha, Cayenne, Jalapeno
How Long Will It Last?
A basic vinaigrette with shelf-stable ingredients will last weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. If you have added in dairy, fresh produce, herbs (anything that will turn) I suggest eating within 2-4 days.
Make it Easy, Stock Your Pantry!
Lately, I’ve kept my pantry stocked by ordering online from Thrive Market. I am in LOVE with having all of my staples delivered to my door and at a fraction of the cost. The quality of ingredients is top notch and oils, vinegar, mustards are all easy to keep around and stocked in your pantry. Get 20% Off Your First Purchase