Name: Salad Dressing With Red Wine Vinegar Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 tbsp canola oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp white sugar; pinch freshly ground black pepper

A tangy, flavorful red wine vinegar salad dressing is a must-have staple in any kitchen. It's versatile, easy to make, and can transform any simple salad into a gourmet delight. This homemade dressing has a perfect balance of tartness from the vinegar, smoothness from the oil, and just a touch of sweetness from the sugar.

Photos of Salad Dressing With Red Wine Vinegar Recipe

This recipe's ingredients are fairly common and can be found in most supermarkets or local stores. Red wine vinegar is the key ingredient, known for its tangy flavor and health benefits, that adds a zesty touch to your salads. Canola oil is chosen for its neutral taste which allows other flavors to shine through.

Ingredients for Red Wine Vinegar Salad Dressing

Canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral oil that's light in flavor and high in monounsaturated fats, making it a healthy choice for salad dressings.

Red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar is made by fermenting red wine and has a tangy, fruity flavor that's less harsh than the white vinegar.

Salt: Salt helps to bring out and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

White sugar: A little bit of sugar helps balance out the acidity from the vinegar and provides a hint of sweetness.

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dressing.

One reader, Ferd Thomason says:

This red wine vinegar salad dressing recipe is a game-changer! It's the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, and it elevates any salad to a whole new level. The flavors are so well-balanced, and it's incredibly easy to make. I highly recommend trying it out!

Ferd Thomason

Mastering the Art of Vinaigrette: Techniques to Know

How to prepare the dressing: Combine canola oil, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, and pepper in a lidded jar. Close the jar and shake well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

How to store the dressing: Store the prepared dressing in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. Shake well before using.

How To Make Salad Dressing With Red Wine Vinegar

This is the easiest salad dressing that you can make at home in just 5 minutes. Perfect on all sorts of simple green or vegetable salads for brunch.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4tbspcanola oil
2tbspred wine vinegar
1tspsalt
½tspwhite sugar
pinchfreshly ground black pepper,to taste

Instructions

Combine canola oil, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, and pepper in a lidded jar. Close and shake to combine.

Nutrition

Calories: 127.38kcal
Fat: 14.00g
Saturated Fat: 1.03g
Trans Fat: 0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.86g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.94g
Carbohydrates: 0.59g
Fiber: 0.02g
Sugar: 0.52g
Protein: 0.01g
Sodium: 51.27mg
Calcium: 0.80mg
Potassium: 3.86mg
Iron: 0.04mg
Vitamin A: 0.02µg
Vitamin C: 0.04mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Red Wine Vinegar Dressing

When making your red wine vinegar salad dressing, it's important to remember that the quality of your vinegar can greatly affect the taste of your dressing. Opt for a high-quality red wine vinegar for a more robust and flavorful result. Additionally, shaking the dressing in a lidded jar not only helps to combine the ingredients, but also emulsifies the canola oil and vinegar, creating a smoother, more cohesive dressing. If you find your dressing separating quickly, try adding a teaspoon of mustard or honey, which can act as natural emulsifiers.

Time-Saving Hacks for Whipping Up Homemade Dressing

Plan ahead: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe to avoid any last-minute searches.

Prep in advance: Wash, chop, and store salad ingredients in advance to save time when making the dressing.

Multi-task: While the dressing is resting, use that time to prepare other components of the meal to maximize efficiency.

Use quality ingredients: Quality ingredients often require minimal preparation, saving time and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Invest in tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a salad dressing shaker or a whisk to quickly and effectively combine the ingredients.

Substitute Ingredients For Salad Dressing With Red Wine Vinegar Recipe

canola oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil has a similar light and neutral flavor to canola oil, making it a suitable substitute for salad dressings.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar offers a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor profile, adding depth to the salad dressing.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity and enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness and a hint of floral notes to the dressing, complementing the acidity of the vinegar.
black pepper - Substitute with ground white pepper: White pepper offers a milder and slightly earthy flavor, while maintaining the desired level of spiciness in the dressing.

Elevate Your Salad Game: Presentation Tips

Elevate the plating: When presenting the salad, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement. Use the vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients to create a visually stunning display on the plate.
Incorporate texture: Add a variety of textures to the salad to create an exciting and dynamic eating experience. Consider adding crunchy elements such as toasted nuts or seeds to contrast with the crispness of the greens.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed and that each bite offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors. The dressing should enhance the natural flavors of the salad ingredients without overpowering them.
Highlight seasonal ingredients: Showcase the freshness of the ingredients by selecting the best seasonal produce available. Incorporate heirloom tomatoes, microgreens, and other seasonal vegetables to add depth and flavor to the salad.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Every element should be carefully positioned to create a harmonious and visually appealing composition.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of sophistication by garnishing the salad with delicate edible flowers or finely chopped herbs. This adds a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting the Perfect Dressing

Canola oil: Canola oil is a versatile and neutral-flavored oil that is commonly used in salad dressings. It provides a smooth texture and helps to emulsify the ingredients.
Red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds a tangy and slightly fruity flavor to the salad dressing, providing a pleasant acidity to balance the dish.
Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients in the salad dressing, bringing out the natural tastes of the dish.
White sugar: White sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing, balancing out the acidity of the vinegar and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the salad dressing, complementing the other ingredients and providing a hint of spice.

Surprising Trivia About Red Wine Vinegar Dressing

Red wine vinegar is a versatile ingredient that not only adds a tangy flavor to salad dressings but also acts as a natural preservative. Due to its acidity, it can help extend the shelf life of homemade dressings and marinades. Additionally, red wine vinegar contains antioxidants and may have potential health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and promoting heart health.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Dressing: Is It Worth It?

This red wine vinegar salad dressing recipe is highly cost-effective for households. With simple and affordable ingredients, it offers a budget-friendly option for enhancing salads. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $3.50. The versatility and shelf life of the ingredients make it a practical choice for regular use. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is Red Wine Vinegar Dressing a Healthy Choice?

The red wine vinegar salad dressing recipe is relatively healthy, but there are a few aspects to consider:

Canola oil is a neutral oil with a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it a healthier choice compared to some other oils
Red wine vinegar is low in calories and provides some antioxidants, which can offer potential health benefits
The recipe contains a moderate amount of salt, which can be a concern for those watching their sodium intake
The small amount of sugar is not a significant issue, as it is balanced by the acidity of the vinegar

While this dressing is not unhealthy, there are some ways to make it even healthier:

Replace half of the canola oil with extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
Reduce the salt content by half, and add more flavor with herbs like dried oregano, basil, or thyme
Include a small amount of Dijon mustard, which can help emulsify the dressing and add depth to the flavor without increasing the calorie content significantly
Consider adding a clove of minced garlic for an extra boost of flavor and potential health benefits

By making these small adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the dressing while still maintaining its delicious taste. Remember, moderation is key, and this dressing can be a part of a healthy diet when used in appropriate portions and paired with a variety of fresh vegetables in your salads.

Our Editor's Take on This Classic Salad Dressing Recipe

This red wine vinegar salad dressing recipe is a classic and versatile addition to any salad. The combination of canola oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from the sugar creates a well-balanced and flavorful dressing. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of salads. The pinch of black pepper adds a subtle kick, enhancing the overall taste. This dressing is quick and easy to make, and its tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile will elevate any salad to a new level of deliciousness.

Enhance Your Salad Dressing With Red Wine Vinegar Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Chicken Breast: Marinate the chicken breast in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling to perfection.

Roasted Vegetable Medley: Toss a variety of colorful vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until caramelized and tender.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Combine a mix of seasonal fruits such as berries, melon, and citrus for a refreshing and vibrant salad.

Creamy Potato Salad: Boil and cube potatoes before mixing with a creamy dressing, crunchy celery, and tangy pickles for a classic side dish.

Homemade Garlic Bread: Slice a baguette and spread with a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs before toasting until golden and fragrant.

Explore These Tantalizing Variations on the Theme

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before grilling for a delicious side dish or appetizer.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon: Create a sweet and tangy glaze for the salmon using balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard for a mouthwatering main course.

Mango Sorbet: Blend fresh mangoes with sugar and lime juice, then freeze for a refreshing and fruity dessert option.

Chicken Noodle Soup: Simmer chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth for a comforting and classic soup that's perfect for any occasion.

Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Complement Your Salad

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty lemon and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful main course.

Mushroom Risotto: Sauté a variety of mushrooms with garlic and shallots before adding arborio rice and slowly incorporating warm broth. Finish with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese for a creamy and indulgent risotto.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Tiramisu: Transport yourself to Italy with a classic tiramisu. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder, create a luscious and satisfying dessert. The perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness will have you savoring every bite.

Why trust this Salad Dressing With Red Wine Vinegar Recipe:

This recipe uses high-quality ingredients, including red wine vinegar and canola oil, to create a flavorful and well-balanced dressing. The combination of vinegar and oil provides a perfect base for any salad, while the addition of salt, sugar, and black pepper enhances the overall taste. The simple preparation method ensures that the flavors meld together seamlessly. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your salad game and bring out the best in your greens.

Share your thoughts on this salad dressing with red wine vinegar recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest.

FAQ:

What type of oil can I use as a substitute for canola oil?

You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other neutral-flavored oil as a substitute for canola oil in this recipe.

Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

Yes, you can use balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for red wine vinegar.

How long can I store this salad dressing?

You can store this salad dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in a lidded jar or airtight container.

Can I adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference. You can add more or less sugar as desired.

Is there a way to make this dressing less tangy?

If you find the dressing too tangy, you can add a touch more oil to mellow out the acidity. Adjust the oil to vinegar ratio to suit your taste.