Name: Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1.33333
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil; ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil; 2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp white sugar; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp salt

Elevate your salads with this delightful herbed vinaigrette. It's a simple yet flavorful dressing that combines extra-virgin olive oil with aromatic garlic and fresh basil. This vinaigrette adds a burst of freshness and a hint of sweetness to any dish.

Photos of Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe

Some ingredients for this recipe, like apple cider vinegar and fresh basil, might not be staples in every kitchen. Be sure to pick these up at your local supermarket if you don't already have them.

Ingredients for Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe

extra-virgin olive oil: A high-quality oil that forms the base of the vinaigrette, providing a rich and smooth flavor.

apple cider vinegar: This vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that balances the dressing.

garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a sharp, aromatic depth to the vinaigrette.

fresh basil: Chopped basil introduces a fresh, herbal note that enhances the overall flavor.

dried thyme: This herb brings a subtle earthiness to the dressing.

white sugar: A small amount of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar.

ground black pepper: Adds a touch of spiciness and enhances the other flavors.

salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.

One reader, Arnoldo Leahy says:

This herbed vinaigrette is a game-changer! The blend of fresh basil and thyme with the tangy apple cider vinegar creates a delightful, flavorful dressing. It's perfect for salads and even as a marinade. Simple to make and absolutely delicious!

Arnoldo Leahy

Key Techniques for Crafting Herbed Vinaigrette

How to mince garlic: Use a knife to finely chop the garlic cloves into very small pieces. How to chop fresh basil: Use a sharp knife to cut the basil leaves into small pieces. How to whisk ingredients: Use a whisk to blend the ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined.

How To Make Herbed Vinaigrette

This herbed vinaigrette recipe infuses apple cider vinegar with the goodness of thyme, basil, and various seasonings. Goes perfectly with any green salad.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupextra-virgin olive oil
⅓cupapple cider vinegar
2clovesgarlic, minced
1tbspchopped fresh basil
2tspdried thyme
1tspwhite sugar
½tspground black pepper
½tspsalt

Instructions

Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, thyme, sugar, black pepper, and salt together in a bowl until smooth.

Nutrition

Calories: 2613.84kcal
Fat: 288.31g
Saturated Fat: 39.87g
Monounsaturated Fat: 210.16g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 30.39g
Carbohydrates: 12.01g
Fiber: 1.60g
Sugar: 6.16g
Protein: 1.02g
Sodium: 966.37mg
Calcium: 88.89mg
Potassium: 165.32mg
Iron: 5.53mg
Vitamin A: 14.81µg
Vitamin C: 4.47mg

Mastering the Art of Herbed Vinaigrette: A Technique Tip

To ensure the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the vinaigrette, consider using a microplane to finely grate it instead of mincing. This will help the garlic blend more seamlessly with the olive oil and vinegar, giving the dressing a more uniform flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Herbed Vinaigrette

Pre-mince the garlic: Mince garlic in bulk and store it in the fridge to save time during preparation.

Use a blender: Combine all ingredients in a blender for a quick and smooth vinaigrette.

Pre-measure spices: Measure out basil, thyme, sugar, black pepper, and salt ahead of time and store them in small containers.

Batch make: Prepare a larger quantity of vinaigrette and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Use dried herbs: Substitute fresh basil with dried if you’re short on time.

Substitute Ingredients For Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe

extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in vinaigrettes.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and light flavor that can replace apple cider vinegar in dressings.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet onion flavor that can complement the vinaigrette.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley offers a bright, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for basil.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a robust, earthy flavor that can replace thyme in the vinaigrette.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of depth to the vinaigrette.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder, slightly different flavor that can still provide the necessary heat.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a cleaner, more nuanced flavor compared to regular table salt.

Presenting Your Herbed Vinaigrette Beautifully

Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that your extra-virgin olive oil is of the finest quality, as it forms the base of the vinaigrette. Fresh basil and garlic will elevate the flavors significantly.
Whisk in a glass bowl: Use a clear glass bowl to whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, basil, thyme, sugar, black pepper, and salt together. This allows the vibrant colors to be visible, adding a visual appeal.
Serve in a small carafe: Pour the finished vinaigrette into a small, elegant carafe. This not only looks sophisticated but also allows for easy pouring.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh basil or a few leaves of thyme on top of the carafe for a touch of elegance and a hint of what’s inside.
Pair with a fresh salad: Present the vinaigrette alongside a beautifully arranged salad of mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes, and thinly sliced radishes. The colors and textures will complement the vinaigrette perfectly.
Use a pristine white plate: Serve the salad on a pristine white plate to make the colors of the vegetables and the vinaigrette pop, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Drizzle artistically: When serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad in an artistic manner. Use a spoon to create delicate, thin lines of dressing across the plate.
Add edible flowers: For an extra touch of sophistication, garnish the salad with a few edible flowers. This adds a burst of color and a touch of luxury.
Serve immediately: Ensure that the vinaigrette is served immediately after preparation to maintain its fresh and vibrant flavors.

Essential Tools for Making Herbed Vinaigrette

Whisk: Essential for blending the ingredients together until smooth, ensuring the vinaigrette is well-emulsified.
Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl to combine all the ingredients, providing enough space for thorough mixing.
Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the olive oil and vinegar, ensuring the correct proportions.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like sugar, salt, and dried thyme.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently, ensuring even distribution in the vinaigrette.
Chopping board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the fresh basil.
Chef's knife: Used for finely chopping the fresh basil, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the vinaigrette.
Storage jar or bottle: Ideal for storing the vinaigrette once it is prepared, making it easy to pour and use later.

Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Herbed Vinaigrette

Store the herbed vinaigrette in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, to maintain its freshness and prevent oxidation.
Keep the vinaigrette refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. The olive oil may solidify when chilled, but this will not affect the quality or flavor of the dressing.
If the olive oil solidifies, remove the vinaigrette from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use and let it sit at room temperature to liquefy. Alternatively, you can run the container under warm water to speed up the process.
Before using the refrigerated vinaigrette, give it a good shake or whisk to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined, as some separation may occur during storage.
Freezing the herbed vinaigrette is not recommended, as the texture and consistency of the dressing may change significantly upon thawing, and the flavors of the fresh herbs can deteriorate.
If you have made a large batch of vinaigrette and want to extend its shelf life, consider reducing the recipe size or sharing the extra portion with friends and family.
To ensure the best quality and flavor, prepare the vinaigrette in smaller batches that can be consumed within 2 weeks, and make a fresh batch as needed.

Fascinating Facts About Herbed Vinaigrette

A fun fact about this herbed vinaigrette recipe is that the combination of apple cider vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil not only adds a delightful tangy flavor but also provides numerous health benefits, including antioxidants and healthy fats.

Making Herbed Vinaigrette: Budget-Friendly or Expensive?

This herbed vinaigrette recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic are pantry staples, making it budget-friendly. Fresh basil and dried thyme add a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $3.50.

Is This Herbed Vinaigrette Healthy or Unhealthy?

The herbed vinaigrette recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of extra-virgin olive oil, which is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. The recipe also includes apple cider vinegar, known for its potential health benefits such as aiding digestion and promoting weight loss. The herbs and spices used, like garlic, basil, and thyme, not only add flavor but also provide various vitamins and minerals. However, the recipe does contain a small amount of sugar and salt, which should be consumed in moderation.

To make this vinaigrette even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use less salt or opt for a low-sodium alternative like potassium chloride
Add more herbs and spices to increase the nutritional value and flavor profile
Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or red wine vinegar, for added health benefits and variety
Include other healthy ingredients like Dijon mustard, lemon juice, or finely chopped shallots to enhance the taste and nutritional content

Our Editor's Take on This Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe

This herbed vinaigrette recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that can elevate any salad. The extra-virgin olive oil provides a rich base, while the apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. Fresh basil and dried thyme offer a harmonious herbal note, complemented by the subtle sweetness of sugar. The minced garlic infuses a robust depth, and the balance of salt and black pepper ensures a well-rounded taste. This vinaigrette is versatile and can be easily adjusted to suit personal preferences, making it a must-have in any culinary repertoire.

Enhance Your Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Imagine the crisp, smoky flavor of grilled asparagus enhanced with a touch of lemon zest. This side-dish will bring a refreshing zing that perfectly complements the herbed vinaigrette.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: A vibrant roasted beet and goat cheese salad can add a burst of color and a tangy, creamy contrast to the herbed vinaigrette. The earthy sweetness of the beets melds beautifully with the dressing.

Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad: For a side-dish that’s both nutritious and visually stunning, try a quinoa and pomegranate salad. The pomegranate seeds add a delightful crunch and a pop of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the herbed vinaigrette.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, garlic parmesan roasted potatoes offer a savory, comforting side that harmonizes with the herbed vinaigrette. The parmesan adds a rich, umami flavor.

Mango Avocado Salsa: A mango avocado salsa brings a tropical twist to the table. The creamy avocado and sweet, juicy mango create a delightful contrast that enhances the fresh, herby notes of the vinaigrette.

Delicious Alternatives to Herbed Vinaigrette

Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette: Brighten up your salads with this zesty Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette. The tangy lemon juice pairs perfectly with the sharpness of Dijon mustard, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Balsamic Vinaigrette: Add a touch of elegance to your greens with a classic Balsamic Vinaigrette. The rich, sweet notes of balsamic vinegar meld beautifully with the smoothness of extra-virgin olive oil.

Honey Mustard Dressing: Sweet and tangy, this Honey Mustard Dressing is perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken or mixed greens. The combination of honey and mustard creates a harmonious blend that will elevate any dish.

Greek Yogurt Ranch: For a creamy twist, try Greek Yogurt Ranch. This healthier alternative to traditional ranch dressing uses Greek yogurt for a tangy, rich flavor that pairs well with vegetables and salads.

Citrus Herb Dressing: Infuse your salads with a burst of freshness using Citrus Herb Dressing. The vibrant flavors of orange and lemon juice combined with a medley of fresh herbs will make your taste buds dance.

Why trust this Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe:

This herbed vinaigrette recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their salads. The combination of extra-virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar creates a perfect balance of richness and tanginess. Fresh basil and dried thyme add a delightful herbal note, while the garlic infuses a robust flavor. The touch of white sugar balances the acidity, and the black pepper and salt bring all the flavors together harmoniously. This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it a reliable choice for any home cook.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How long can I store the herbed vinaigrette?

You can store the herbed vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake before using it again.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even white wine vinegar, depending on your taste preference.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Yes, you can use dried basil if you don't have fresh basil on hand. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil as a substitute for the 1 tablespoon of fresh basil.

Is it necessary to add sugar to the vinaigrette?

The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar, but it's not absolutely necessary. You can skip it or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup if you prefer.

Can I add other herbs to this vinaigrette?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley, oregano, or dill to customize the vinaigrette to your liking.