Italian Vinaigrette (Printable)
Zesty Italian vinaigrette with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic and herbs—ideal for salads and grilled vegetables.
# What You Need:
→ Main Components
01 - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
02 - 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
→ Aromatics & Seasonings
04 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
09 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
→ Salt & Pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How-To:
01 - In a medium bowl or mason jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, honey (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper until well blended.
02 - While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil in a thin steady stream until the dressing emulsifies and thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
03 - Taste the vinaigrette and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity as needed to suit your preference.
04 - Use immediately over salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade. Alternatively, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Shake or whisk vigorously before each use.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It takes exactly ten minutes and tastes better than anything you can buy in a bottle.
- The balance of tang, garlic, and herbs works on salads, grilled vegetables, and even as a quick marinade for chicken.
02 -
- Adding the oil too fast will cause the dressing to break and you will have to start the emulsion over with a new dab of mustard.
- Letting the vinaigrette sit for fifteen minutes before serving gives the dried herbs time to hydrate and the garlic time to mellow.
03 -
- If your dressing separates and refuses to come back together, start with a fresh spoonful of mustard in a clean bowl and slowly whisk the broken mixture into it.
- Warm the jar briefly in your hands before shaking and it will emulsify in half the time.