Vinaigrette: basic salad dressing is made by mixing an oil with something acidic like vinegar or lemon juice. Salt, herbs, and spices can be added as per taste and preference. In a typical recipe, we use 3 parts of oil to 1 part of vinegar and then whisk it to form an emulsion.
Ingredients*:
Dry Mustard: 1/4 t, Fresh Ground Pepper: 1/8 t, Salt: 3/4 t, Vinegar: 3T, Chilli Powder: 1/2 t, Sugar: 1 t, Olive oil: 1 T
Method:
1. Put all the ingredients in a mixing bowl or glass jar.
2. Whisk well or shake the jar thoroughly.
3. Use this emulsion to flavour your favourite salads or marinade vegetables.
We can store the salad dressing in the refrigerator for a few days. Do not forget to shake it before use.
To make a vinaigrette: basic salad dressing more nutritious, you can consider the following tips:
- Choose Healthy Oils: Opt for heart-healthy oils like extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or walnut oil. These oils are rich in monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support heart health.
- Use High-Quality Vinegar: Use a variety of vinegars, such as balsamic, apple cider, red wine, or white wine vinegar. These vinegars can add unique flavors and potentially offer some health benefits.
- Add Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Consider adding minced garlic, fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, or parsley), and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.
- Add Natural Sweeteners: Instead of using refined sugar, opt for natural sweeteners like honey.
- Use Herbs and Spices: Experiment with herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, or black pepper to not only enhance flavour but also provide potential health benefits.
- Watch Sodium Levels: Be mindful of the amount of salt you add. Consider using less salt or incorporating salt-free seasonings and herbs for flavour.
- Balance Portions: While vinaigrette can be nutritious, it’s still calorie-dense due to the oil content. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.
*t: teaspoon, T: tablespoon