Creamy Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette
This delicious Creamy Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that enhances any salad with its bold flavors. Combining the rich, tangy notes of balsamic vinegar with zesty garlic and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and Splenda, this dressing is both healthy and flavorful. Perfect for drizzling over fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade for grilled meats, it's an easy way to elevate your meals. Whether you're using a food processor or a simple jar-shaking method, this recipe comes together in minutes, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
4
Servings
95
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
Brown sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Splenda sugar substitute
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Start with the garlic: mince or crush the garlic cloves.
2
For the food processor method, add the minced garlic to the processor along with balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Splenda, salt, and black pepper.
3
Pulse until well combined and smooth.
4
With the food processor running, slowly add olive oil until emulsified and creamy.
5
For the jar method, combine the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Splenda, salt, and black pepper in a glass jar.
6
Seal the jar tightly and shake well to combine all ingredients.
7
Add olive oil to the jar, reseal, and shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
8
Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
9
Enjoy your flavorful dressing on salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade!
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
0g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette?
It is a versatile dressing featuring balsamic vinegar, zesty garlic, and a hint of sweetness, perfect for salads and marinades.
Is this vinaigrette healthy?
Yes, it is considered healthy as it uses olive oil and a sugar substitute to balance flavors while keeping calories at 95 per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 95 calories.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Splenda, salt, black pepper, garlic, and olive oil.
Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a jar-shaking method by combining ingredients in a sealed glass jar and shaking vigorously until smooth.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be either minced or crushed before being added to the mixture.
What types of vinegar are required?
This recipe calls for two types: 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
Can the Splenda be substituted?
Yes, while the recipe uses Splenda, you could potentially substitute it with more brown sugar or another preferred sweetener.
What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in this recipe?
Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor and acts as an emulsifier to help the oil and vinegar stay blended.
What kind of oil is best for this dressing?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Yes, it is excellent as a marinade for grilled meats.
How long does it take to prepare?
The recipe can be completed in just a few minutes using either a food processor or a jar.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dressing?
Each serving contains 1.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain any protein?
No, this dressing contains 0 grams of protein.
Is this vinaigrette suitable for roasted vegetables?
Yes, it is a great choice for drizzling over roasted vegetables to enhance their flavor.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the food processor method?
Combine all ingredients except oil in the processor, then slowly stream in the olive oil while running to emulsify.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, as it uses plant-based ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and sugar/substitutes.
What category does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Sauces.
How do I ensure the dressing is creamy?
Ensure you add the olive oil slowly while processing or shake the jar vigorously to create a proper emulsion.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The recipe does not contain a significant amount of fiber.
Can I use this on fresh greens?
Yes, it is designed specifically to elevate the flavor of fresh salad greens.
How much brown sugar is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, you should taste the dressing after mixing and adjust the salt, pepper, or sweetener to your liking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an easy homemade dressing that can be stored for future use.
What makes the flavor 'bold'?
The combination of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh minced garlic creates a bold flavor profile.
Is there any cholesterol in this dressing?
No, this dressing is cholesterol-free.