I rarely use store bought salad dressings. It’s not that there aren’t some nice ones out there; there certainly are. It’s just that, more often than not, they get used once or twice and then hibernate in the frig until I end up throwing them away.
For us, it’s mostly some type of vinaigrette that you’l find on our salads.
Vinaigrettes are easy, y’all. You really should try them — you’ll see for yourself just how easy they are. And, because you’ll more than likely have the ingredients already on hand, they are simple and economical as well. There’s almost no end to the variations you can make.
TIPS FOR MASTERING A BASIC VINAIGRETTE
- Use good vinegar. Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar, but give your taste buds a treat and try balsamic, sherry, champagne, red or white wine vinegars. There’s a whole world of vinegars out there so experiment. I often use citrus juice as the acid in my vinaigrettes and love the added it flavor it gives to the salad.
- Use a good oil. I prefer extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, walnut or pumpkin seed oil. Those add a little extra depth of flavor. Nut and seed oils can have too strong a flavor for some, so I typically use them in combination with a milder oil. I also like rice bran oil since it does not impart a flavor.
- Use the right ratio of acid to oil. Generally, the ratio will be 1 part acid to 3 or 4 parts oil. For example, 1 Tablespoon vinegar to 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. If you want more tartness, add more acid.
- Optionally, add in other ingredients: For a little sweetness: honey, molasses, sorghum, sugar. Mustard (try different varieties) adds a tartness. A dab of miso gives a salty smoothness. Herbs – whatever kind suits your entree or contents of the salad.
- Salt and pepper — to taste, of course!
You can whisk or shake to emulsify the vinaigrette. Me? I’m mostly in the shake camp. I prefer using a small canning jar to mix my dressing. That way I can shake it up as it is made and just before dressing the salad. Heaven knows, I have jam and jelly jars in abundance!
Wanna’ see what I mean? Here are just a few to whet your appetite.
