Dressing can make or break a salad. This red wine vinaigrette dressing is a game-changer. It's tangy, with a hint of sweet and savory notes from the red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and honey. The Italian seasonings provide the dressing with additional layers of flavor, making it versatile enough to enhance any salad. It's simple, quick to prepare, and will transform your salad into a gourmet delight.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe, like olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, and garlic, are likely already in your pantry. However, you may need to hunt for red wine vinegar and Italian seasonings if these are not part of your regular staples. While red wine vinegar can be found in the vinegar aisle, Italian seasonings are usually in the spice aisle. Both ingredients contribute significantly to the flavor profile of this vinaigrette, so ensure you have them on hand.
Ingredients for Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing
Extra-virgin olive oil: It forms the base of the dressing and provides a smooth, rich texture.
Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy, fruity flavor that balances the oil's richness.
Garlic cloves: Gives a punch of flavor and aroma.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a tangy-spicy note.
Italian seasonings: A blend of herbs that adds an extra dimension to the dressing.
Kosher salt: Enhances all other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
Honey: Sweetens the dressing slightly to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
One reader, Boy Yeager says:
This red wine vinaigrette recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and it's so easy to make. It adds a delightful zing to my salads, and I love that I can adjust the sweetness to my liking. It's become a staple in my kitchen!
Key Techniques for Making Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing
How to make red wine vinaigrette dressing: A simple process of whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dijon mustard, Italian seasonings, salt, pepper, and honey until well combined.
How to store red wine vinaigrette dressing: After making the dressing, it can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How To Make Red Wine Vinaigrette
Add spice to your meals with this red wine vinaigrette. A simple and easy to make dressing perfect for your morning salad or roasted chicken for dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupextra-virgin olive oil
- 3tbspred wine vinegar
- 2garlic clovespressed or finely minced
- 2tspDijon mustard
- 1tspItalian seasoningsdried, or oregano
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspblack pepperfreshly-cracked
- 1tbsphoneyoptional, to sweeten, if desired
Instructions
-
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until combined. Add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey to taste.
-
Serve immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1046.57kcal
- Fat: 108.46g
- Saturated Fat: 14.98g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 79.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.48g
- Carbohydrates: 21.09g
- Fiber: 1.12g
- Sugar: 17.42g
- Protein: 1.00g
- Sodium: 445.16mg
- Calcium: 44.50mg
- Potassium: 86.54mg
- Iron: 2.47mg
- Vitamin A: 2.60µg
- Vitamin C: 2.73mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Red Wine Vinaigrette
When making your red wine vinaigrette dressing, it's important to slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mixture while whisking. This process, known as emulsification, helps to combine the oil and vinegar, which are naturally inclined to separate. Emulsifying creates a smooth, unified dressing that won't separate, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of your vinaigrette.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dressing Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of the recipe and store the extra portions for quick and convenient meals later in the week.
Knife skills: Hone your knife skills to efficiently chop, dice, and slice ingredients, saving time during meal preparation.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to minimize time spent searching for utensils and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra-virgin olive oil in the vinaigrette.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar offers a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor profile, which can add depth to the vinaigrette.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to garlic, and they can add a subtle depth to the vinaigrette.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy flavor with the added texture of mustard seeds, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the vinaigrette.
italian seasonings - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence blend includes similar herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano, adding a fragrant and savory note to the vinaigrette.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity and can be used as a 1:1 replacement for kosher salt in the vinaigrette.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder and slightly earthier flavor compared to black pepper, providing a different dimension to the vinaigrette's taste.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness and depth to the vinaigrette, similar to honey, while also imparting a subtle maple flavor.
How to Beautifully Present This Vinaigrette Dressing
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use negative space to highlight the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. Arrange the components thoughtfully to create an eye-catching presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate edible flowers into the plating. Choose flowers that complement the flavors and colors of the dish, adding a sophisticated and visually appealing element.
Utilize contrasting textures: Incorporate a variety of textures to add depth and complexity to the dish. Consider incorporating crunchy elements, such as toasted nuts or crispy vegetable chips, alongside softer components to create a dynamic mouthfeel.
Emphasize precision in sauce drizzling: Pay close attention to the drizzling of the red wine vinaigrette dressing. Use a steady hand to create intricate patterns or designs on the plate, showcasing precision and attention to detail.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a final touch of freshness and flavor by garnishing the dish with freshly picked herbs. The vibrant green hues will provide a pop of color and a burst of aromatic fragrance, enhancing the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Perfect Vinaigrette
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, often with a handle and a series of loops or wires.
- Small bowl: A container used for mixing and holding small amounts of ingredients, typically with a capacity of 1-2 cups.
- Sealed container: A vessel with a secure lid used for storing and preserving food items, keeping them fresh for longer periods.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing
To store the red wine vinaigrette dressing, transfer it to an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help prevent the dressing from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator and keep it fresh for longer.
Refrigerate the dressing for up to 2 weeks. The olive oil may solidify when chilled, but this is normal and won't affect the quality of the dressing.
Before using the refrigerated dressing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow the olive oil to liquefy. Give the dressing a good shake or whisk to recombine the ingredients before serving.
If you want to extend the shelf life of the dressing, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Pour the dressing into an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Label the container with the date and contents.
To thaw the frozen red wine vinaigrette, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Once thawed, give the dressing a thorough shake or whisk to recombine the ingredients, as separation may occur during the freezing process.
After thawing, consume the dressing within a week for the best flavor and quality. Do not refreeze the dressing once it has been thawed, as this can affect its texture and overall quality.
Interesting Trivia About Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing
Red wine vinegar, a key ingredient in this recipe, is known for its potential health benefits. It contains acetic acid, which may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, red wine vinegar is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress. Incorporating this vinaigrette into your meals not only adds flavor but also provides potential health perks.
Is Making Vinaigrette Dressing at Home Cost-Effective?
This red wine vinaigrette dressing recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With simple and affordable ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey, it offers great value for money. The versatility of this dressing makes it a worthwhile investment, as it can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to marinades. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing Healthy?
The red wine vinaigrette dressing recipe is relatively healthy, as it contains several nutritious ingredients:
- Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Red wine vinegar contains antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels
- Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and may boost immune function
- Dijon mustard is low in calories and contains beneficial compounds like glucosinolates
- Italian seasonings provide various herbs with potential health benefits
However, the recipe also includes some elements that could be modified for improved health:
- The olive oil, while healthy, is high in calories and could be reduced for those watching their calorie intake
- Honey adds natural sweetness but also contributes to the overall sugar content
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil to 1/3 cup to lower the calorie content while still maintaining the dressing's consistency
- Replace half of the olive oil with a lower-calorie option, such as vegetable broth or water, to further reduce calories
- Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit instead of honey to minimize added sugars
- Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to boost the fiber and omega-3 content
- Incorporate 1/4 cup of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to increase the antioxidant and nutrient profile of the dressing
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the overall nutritional value of the red wine vinaigrette dressing while still enjoying its delicious flavor.
Editor's Opinion on This Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe
This red wine vinaigrette dressing recipe is a delightful combination of flavors. The red wine vinegar adds a tangy brightness, while the Dijon mustard and garlic provide a savory depth. The touch of honey balances the acidity perfectly. It's a versatile dressing that pairs well with a variety of salads, from simple greens to more complex combinations. The use of Italian seasonings adds a lovely herbaceous note, elevating the overall taste. This dressing is a must-have for any home cook looking to add a burst of flavor to their dishes.
Enhance Your Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe:
This red wine vinaigrette recipe guarantees a delightful balance of flavors. The red wine vinegar adds a tangy kick, while the extra-virgin olive oil provides a smooth and rich base. The addition of garlic and Italian seasonings infuses the dressing with aromatic depth, and the touch of honey brings a hint of sweetness. With the perfect blend of Dijon mustard and kosher salt, this vinaigrette promises to elevate any salad or dish. Trust in the harmonious combination of these ingredients for a delectable dining experience.
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