Name: Olive Oil Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 garlic clove; ½ cup vinegar; 1½ tsp dijon mustard; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1½ cups extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup shallots

Dressing a salad or a dish with the right vinaigrette not only enhances the taste but also adds a dash of sophistication. This olive oil vinaigrette recipe, with its robust flavors, is sure to add a refreshing note to your meals. Its simplicity makes it perfect for those who are new to the kitchen, while its versatility will appeal to seasoned chefs. Furthermore, it's easy to customize this vinaigrette to suit your palate by adjusting the proportions of the ingredients.

Photos of Olive Oil Vinaigrette Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common kitchen staples, you might need to make a special trip to the supermarket for Dijon mustard and shallots. Dijon mustard, originating from Dijon, France, is a smooth and creamy mustard that has a balanced, sharp, and smooth flavor. It's not too spicy and adds a nice tang to the vinaigrette. Shallots, on the other hand, are a type of onion but they have a milder and sweeter taste. They add a subtle flavor to the vinaigrette without overpowering it.

Ingredients Needed for the Olive Oil Vinaigrette

Garlic: This adds a robust flavor to the vinaigrette. It has a strong, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.

Vinegar: It gives the vinaigrette its tangy taste. It's a versatile ingredient that helps balance the flavors.

Dijon mustard: This gives the vinaigrette a smooth texture and a tangy flavor. It's an essential ingredient in many dressings.

Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

Olive oil: The star of the recipe. It adds a smooth, rich flavor and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.

Shallots: They add a mild and sweet flavor to the vinaigrette.

One reader, Antonina Kay says:

This olive oil vinaigrette recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the texture is so smooth. It's incredibly versatile and adds a delightful touch to any salad or dish. I love how simple it is to make, and it's now a staple in my kitchen!

Antonina Kay

Mastering the Art of Emulsification

How to emulsify the dressing: Emulsification is the process of combining two liquids that don't normally mix, such as oil and vinegar, into a smooth, uniform mixture. To emulsify the dressing, it's important to slowly drizzle in the oil while the food processor is running to ensure the oil and vinegar combine properly.

How to adjust seasoning: After preparing the vinaigrette, it's essential to taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. This ensures that the flavors are well-balanced and to your liking. Add additional salt and pepper as needed, tasting as you go to achieve the desired flavor profile.

How To Make Olive Oil Vinaigrette

You can never go wrong with a tangy and tasty vinaigrette! This vinaigrette recipe comes with vinegar, olive oil, and dijon mustard for the best dressing.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2garlic clove
½cupvinegar,such as white, sherry, cider, port, or champagne vinegar
1½tspdijon mustard
salt and freshly ground black pepper,as needed
1½cupsextra virgin olive oil
¼cupshallots,or red onion, finely chopped

Instructions

In a food processor with a metal blade attached, mince the garlic. Add the vinegar, mustard, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¾ teaspoon pepper. Process to combine.
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in oil until dressing is emulsified. Taste, and add additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Pour into a bowl and stir in shallots. Stir before using.
Use as desired and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 1465.78kcal
Fat: 162.18g
Saturated Fat: 22.39g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 118.29g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 17.10g
Carbohydrates: 5.07g
Fiber: 1.04g
Sugar: 1.67g
Protein: 0.91g
Sodium: 579.03mg
Calcium: 24.01mg
Potassium: 97.35mg
Iron: 1.35mg
Vitamin A: 0.39µg
Vitamin C: 2.55mg

The Secret to Achieving the Perfect Vinaigrette Consistency

When making your olive oil vinaigrette, it's important to slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mixture while the food processor is running. This process, known as emulsification, allows the oil and vinegar to blend together seamlessly, creating a smooth and creamy texture. If you add the oil too quickly, the ingredients will not emulsify properly and your vinaigrette may separate. So, take your time and enjoy the process.

Time-Saving Tips for Whipping Up Homemade Vinaigrettes

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to easily find ingredients and utensils.

Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors and blenders to speed up prep work.

Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to cook multiple components simultaneously to save time.

Clean as you go: Wash dishes and utensils while cooking to minimize cleanup at the end.

Substitute Ingredients For Olive Oil Vinaigrette Recipe

garlic clove - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, which can work well in vinaigrettes.
vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a tangy acidity similar to vinegar, adding a bright and fresh flavor to the vinaigrette.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can offer a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor, adding texture and depth to the vinaigrette.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can provide a similar richness and smooth texture, with a mild flavor that won't overpower the vinaigrette.
shallots - Substitute with red onion: Red onion can offer a similar mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture, adding depth to the vinaigrette.

Elevate Your Salad Game: Presentation Tips

Elevate the plating: Arrange the dish with precision, ensuring each element is placed thoughtfully and with attention to detail.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a pop of color and elegance to the dish with delicate, edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing some areas of the plate to remain empty, creating a visually striking presentation.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle the dish with vibrant and flavorful microgreens to add a fresh and sophisticated touch.
Emphasize symmetry: Create a sense of balance and harmony by arranging components symmetrically on the plate.
Use flavored oils: Incorporate drizzles of infused oils to add depth of flavor and a touch of luxury to the dish.
Employ geometric shapes: Experiment with geometric patterns and shapes to bring a modern and artistic flair to the presentation.
Consider color contrast: Play with contrasting colors to make the dish visually appealing and appetizing.
Highlight the main ingredient: Showcase the star ingredient as the focal point of the dish, drawing attention to its quality and preparation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a touch of opulence, delicately place edible gold leaf to elevate the dish to a luxurious level.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting Vinaigrettes

Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing them together.
Whisk: A utensil used for whipping and blending ingredients together.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and mincing ingredients.
Garlic press: A tool used for crushing and mincing garlic cloves.
Citrus juicer: Used for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as lemons and limes.
Pepper mill: A tool used for grinding fresh black pepper.
Whisk: A utensil used for whipping and blending ingredients together.
Storage container: Used for storing leftover vinaigrette.

Maximizing Shelf Life: Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Store the olive oil vinaigrette in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, to keep it fresh and prevent oxidation.
Refrigerate the vinaigrette for up to 2 weeks. The olive oil may solidify slightly when chilled, but this won't affect the quality or flavor of the dressing.
Before using the refrigerated vinaigrette, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the olive oil to liquefy again.
Shake or whisk the vinaigrette vigorously before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients, as the olive oil and vinegar may separate during storage.
Freezing the vinaigrette is not recommended, as the ingredients may separate and the texture may change upon thawing, affecting the quality and consistency of the dressing.
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 with family and friends.

The Surprising Origins of Vinaigrette

The olive oil vinaigrette recipe is a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of dishes, such as salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for meats. It is a simple and healthy alternative to store-bought dressings, as it is made with fresh ingredients and contains no preservatives or additives. This vinaigrette is also a great source of healthy fats from the extra virgin olive oil, which can help promote heart health and reduce inflammation in the body. It's a flavorful and nutritious addition to any meal.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Which is More Budget-Friendly?

The olive oil vinaigrette recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it an affordable addition to any meal. The versatility of this vinaigrette allows it to be used in various dishes, adding value to the overall cost. With a rating of 9/10, this recipe offers great flavor and nutritional benefits at a low cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8, making it a budget-friendly option for enhancing the dining experience.

Is Olive Oil Vinaigrette Dressing Healthy?

The olive oil vinaigrette recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. The recipe also includes garlic and shallots, both of which offer potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of oil (1½ cups), which can contribute to a high calorie content. Reducing the oil to 1 cup and increasing the vinegar to ¾ cup would lower the calorie density while maintaining the flavor profile.
Choosing a high-quality, unfiltered apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar can provide additional health benefits, such as improved digestion and blood sugar control.
Adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup can help balance the acidity of the vinegar and provide a touch of natural sweetness without significantly increasing the calorie content.
Incorporating fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can enhance the flavor profile while adding extra antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to the vinaigrette.

Why Our Editor Can't Get Enough of This Dressing

This olive oil vinaigrette recipe is a classic and versatile dressing that can elevate any dish. The combination of garlic, vinegar, and Dijon mustard creates a flavorful base, while the extra virgin olive oil adds a rich and smooth texture. The addition of shallots provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. The balance of acidity and richness makes this vinaigrette perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, or marinating meats. It's a simple yet elegant addition to any meal, and its homemade touch will impress your guests. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe to create your own signature vinaigrette.

Enhance Your Olive Oil Vinaigrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Root Vegetables: Try serving the olive oil vinaigrette with a colorful medley of roasted root vegetables for a hearty and flavorful side dish.

Grilled Chicken Breast: Pair the olive oil vinaigrette with a juicy grilled chicken breast for a delicious and protein-packed meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Drizzle the olive oil vinaigrette over a refreshing fresh fruit salad for a light and tangy addition to your meal.

Explore These Tantalizing Vinaigrette Variations

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before threading them onto skewers and grilling to perfection.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon: Create a sweet and tangy glaze using balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard to coat the salmon before baking or grilling until flaky and delicious.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine ripe mango, coconut milk, and chia seeds to create a creamy and tropical dessert that's perfect for a healthy and satisfying treat.

Why trust this Olive Oil Vinaigrette Recipe:

This recipe is a testament to the power of extra virgin olive oil and vinegar in creating a harmonious and flavorful vinaigrette. The inclusion of garlic and shallots adds depth and complexity, while the touch of dijon mustard provides a delightful zing. The method of slowly drizzling in the olive oil ensures a perfectly emulsified dressing. With these high-quality ingredients, this vinaigrette promises to elevate any dish it graces, earning the trust of users seeking a reliable and delicious dressing.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this olive oil vinaigrette recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

What type of vinegar should I use for the vinaigrette?

You can use any type of vinegar you prefer, such as red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar. Each type will impart a slightly different flavor to the vinaigrette, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

Can I make this vinaigrette in advance and store it?

Absolutely! This vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a good shake or stir before using it, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Is there a substitute for shallots if I don't have any on hand?

If you don't have shallots, you can substitute finely minced red onion or even green onions for a similar flavor profile. Just use a little less than the amount of shallots called for in the recipe, as their flavor can be stronger.

Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the vinaigrette?

Absolutely! If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add more cloves for a stronger garlic flavor. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, you can use just one clove or even omit the garlic altogether.

How long will the vinaigrette stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, the vinaigrette should stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a good stir or shake before using it, as the ingredients may separate over time.