There is nothing more beautiful than sitting in the summer sun and eating a salad topped with a homemade vinaigrette. You too can enjoy this pleasant dining experience. Just keep in mind, when making vinaigrette, that the ratio of the most acidic ingredients (lemon or balsamic vinegar) to olive oil is 1 to 3. Start reading step 1 of this article to learn how to prepare. homemade vinaigrette.
Ingrediants
Basic Vinaigrette
- Mustard
- Juice of one lemon or four tablespoons of lemon juice
- Olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Balsamic vinegar
- Garlic
- salt
- Sugar, brown sugar or honey
- pepper
- Olive oil
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the Basic Vinaigrette
Step 1. Add some mustard to a small bowl
The quantity should equal the size of a peanut. Mustard acts as an emulsifier, meaning when two liquids like water and oil don't mix, mustard separates them and helps them combine.
You can also add some mayonnaise to the bowl. Mayonnaise also acts as an emulsifier and gives a creamy texture to the vinaigrette. However, if you want to get a low calorie vinaigrette, don't use mayonnaise
Step 2. Add the sour ingredient to the bowl
This ingredient will depend on the type of vinaigrette you intend to make. The classic vinaigrette is made with lemons. Squeeze a fresh lemon into the bowl. If you don't have a fresh lemon, you can use four tablespoons of lemon juice in a bottle. Whisk all the other ingredients in the bowl with a whisk. Make sure you mix them well.
As an alternative to lemon, you can use red wine, white wine and apple cider vinegar
Step 3. Add the olive oil
To properly combine all the ingredients, keep whisking the mixture as you slowly pour in the olive oil. This way the lemon juice and oil will combine more easily. Keep whisking until all the ingredients are well blended.
Step 4. Add the toppings
In a basic vinaigrette, salt and pepper are a must. Add them according to your taste. If you'd like to add more toppings, now is the time to do so. Consider the following:
- Garlic, onion, or chopped shallot.
- Finely chopped basil, parsley, thyme, or dill.
- Paprika and cumin.
Step 5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad
Do this just before eating to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Enjoy your meal!
Method 2 of 3: Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette
Step 1. Add the balsamic vinegar to a bowl
Mix the sugar and salt, and whisk until the ingredients dissolve. After that, add the pepper and garlic. Pepper, garlic, and salt are optional. Beat the mixture until smooth.
If you are using a quality balsamic vinegar rather than a cheaper version, it is very likely that the sugar does not need to be added. After mixing the salt, pepper and garlic, taste the mixture. You can add some sugar at this point if you wish
Step 2. Beat the mixture by adding the olive oil
To help the vinegar and oil combine, keep whisking while adding a few drops of oil at a time. After adding the necessary oil, continue whisking for a few minutes to make sure the ingredients are well mixed. Taste the vinaigrette.
If you see fit, add other seasonings as well. Some recipes recommend adding a dollop of grainy mustard, some chopped herbs, or chopped shallots or onions. Feel free to experiment with the toppings
Step 3. Mix the salad with the balsamic vinaigrette
Do this just before eating to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. If you don't plan to use vinaigrette right away, pour it into a container and cover it with a lid. When you are ready to use it, beat it again as the ingredients will separate during storage in the fridge.
Method 3 of 3: Other Types of Vinaigrette
Step 1. Try the strawberry vinaigrette
If you prefer a sweeter salad dressing, the strawberry vinaigrette is sure to please. Add a couple of walnuts and a few slices of apple for a full-bodied salad.
Step 2. Try the traditional Italian vinaigrette
Pretend you're in the Bel Paese for a day with this classic Italian salad dressing. You can have a snack and feel like you are in a villa listening to the gentle waves of the Mediterranean.
Step 3. Make a sweet vinaigrette with orange marmalade
This vinaigrette will have the slightly bitter taste typical of this delicious jam.
Step 4. Try miso vinaigrette
If you're making a salad with soba noodles, miso vinaigrette will be the ideal dressing. Your guests will pray for your recipe!
Step 5. Expand your horizons and enjoy the salad with the vinaigrette and soy curry
This vinaigrette is truly unique and delicious. Add green beans and cherry tomatoes for a salad rich in the healthful benefits of vegetables.
Advice
- No mustard? Use salt, although mustard adds more flavor to the vinaigrette.
- Remember that you need one part of vinegar and three parts of olive oil to make a balsamic vinaigrette.
