Italian Vinaigrette (Printable Version)
Bright, tangy Italian vinaigrette with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon, garlic and fresh herbs for salads or veggies.
# What You Need:
→ Base
01 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
02 - 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
→ Flavorings
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
05 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
06 - 2 teaspoons honey (or sugar for vegan option)
→ Herbs & Seasoning
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - In a medium bowl or glass jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey until fully blended.
02 - Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking constantly to create a stable emulsion. Continue until the dressing is smooth and cohesive.
03 - Stir in the chopped parsley, basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.
04 - Taste the vinaigrette and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity as desired before serving.
05 - Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well or stir before each use as the mixture may separate.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- It comes together in about the time it takes to set the table, which means you will actually make it instead of reaching for the bottled stuff.
- The balance of tang and richness is something store bought dressings never quite get right.
02 -
- If you dump the oil in too fast it will never emulsify and you will end up with a broken, greasy puddle.
- Bringing the dressing to room temperature before serving restores its silky texture after refrigeration.
03 -
- Let the minced garlic sit in the vinegar for about five minutes before adding the oil because the acid tames the raw bite.
- A teaspoon of grated Parmesan stirred in at the end turns it into something dangerously close to a Caesar and worth every extra step.