Although we often tend to shy away from them, homemade salad dressings are really easy to make. And I think they are usually tons better than store-bought ones even though those are convenient and come in handy when time is a factor.
My blogger buddy, Amy at Our Everyday Dinners, makes a dandy homemade ranch dressing that you should try. She even was courageous enough to put those directions out for us in a video version. Pay her a visit. She’s a doll.
One of my all-time favorite dressings is this basic balsamic vinaigrette. I sometimes vary it with an additional ingredient or two depending upon my mood and the flavors I am trying to bring out in whatever it is that I am preparing. Experimentation is one of my keywords. I hope it is yours as well.
Basic Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Makes 1 pint+
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 Tablespoon minced shallot (or red onion)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon minced fresh Genovese basil
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
1 Tablespoon minced shallot (or red onion)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon minced fresh Genovese basil
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
Optional: 1 teaspoon ground mustard or 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
Using a knife blade, crush the garlic, shallot, kosher salt and pepper into a chunky paste. You can do this in a food processor or blender, but I prefer having texture in the dressing. Add the balsamic vinegar to a food processor or food blender. Slowly drizzle in the olive he oil until it is well incorporated. Add herbs and pulse two to three times. Add the crushed garlic mixture and pulse two to three times. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
This recipe is easily halved.
This recipe is easily halved.
I’ll be sharing a tuna-pecan wrap later this week that uses this dressing. Come back and check that out. So good!
Be sure to come back in a few days for the opportunity to register for the BIG boot giveaway sponsored by Country Outfitter, an Arkansas-based company.
Aren’t you nice to link to my silly vlog? Thank you.
Oh, love this! Just started using balsamic vinegar and things and I’m obsessed.
This is awesome!! I love homemade dressings. I have one I make myself, but I need more so I can’t wait to use this one!