My mother and sister perceive me as snobbish, but I have refrained from purchasing bottled salad dressing since 2003. While I harbor no aversion to store-bought dressings, recognizing their convenience, the flavor of homemade dressing surpasses that of prepackaged ones. Today, we are focusing on crafting our own vinaigrettes instead of delving into homemade ranch dressing.
Steps to Create Your Own Vinaigrette:
Ingredients:
– Oil (refer to my top choices below)
– Acid (vinegar or citrus juice)
– Sweetener
– Thickener
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a mason jar, shake vigorously to blend, taste, and adjust the salt or sweetener as necessary.
Seven Simple Steps to Success:
1. Determine your formula
Achieving a delectable salad dressing hinges on striking the right balance of tanginess, saltiness, and richness. While the classic French vinaigrette ratio is 2 parts oil to 1 part acid, I personally prefer equal parts oil and acid for a tangier and healthier dressing.
2. Select an oil
For most salad dressings, opt for a neutral-flavored oil. While specialty oils like sesame or hazelnut have their place, everyday salads benefit from staples like extra-virgin olive oil, canola, or grapeseed oil.
3. Choose an acid
Pick your vinegar based on personal preference. Apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar are gentle choices with underlying sweetness, while aged sherry vinegar adds a touch of sophistication. Citrus juices like lemon, lime, or orange can also complement your dressing.
4. Incorporate a sweetener
Balancing tang with sweetness enhances the overall flavor of the dressing. A small amount of sweetener such as agave syrup, sugar, honey, or artisanal preserves can offset the acidity, added gradually to taste.
5. Introduce a thickener
While optional, mustard acts as a thickening agent aiding in emulsification. Dijon or stone-ground mustard can elevate the flavor profile.
6. Enhance with extra flavors
Elevate your vinaigrette with additional ingredients for a fresher taste than store-bought options. Consider grated garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, fresh herbs, hot sauce, olives, or Parmesan cheese depending on your preference.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
There is no definitive amount of salt and pepper that will satisfy every taste bud; however, a common guideline is to add a pinch of salt and about half a pinch of pepper. It is advisable to show restraint when seasoning, as it is easier to add more salt than to remove excess. After combining all the ingredients in a mason jar, seal it securely, shake vigorously for approximately 15 seconds, and then sample the mixture. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, seal the jar, and shake again. Congratulations! You have just crafted your own salad dressing.
While this process may seem daunting at first, with practice, making homemade dressings becomes second nature. The end result not only tastes significantly better but also proves to be more cost-effective. According to my calculations, I have saved over $1,000 since 2003 by preparing my own dressings. The possibilities of what to do with those extra savings are endless.
Source: Southern Living
