Creamy Pesto Italian Vinaigrette
This delightful Creamy Pesto Italian Vinaigrette is a bright and flavorful dressing that showcases the freshness of homemade pesto, which I prepare during the summer months and store in ice cube trays for later use. With a perfect balance of tangy vinegar and rich canola oil, this dressing also features hints of Dijon mustard and garlic for added depth and a touch of sweetness to elevate your salads. Ideal for drizzling over mixed greens, pasta salads, or grilled vegetables, this vinaigrette is a versatile companion in your culinary repertoire. Simply shake the ingredients together, store in your fridge, and enjoy the burst of flavor for weeks to come!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
White Vinegar
2/3 cup (measured)
Canola Oil
1 1/3 cups (measured)
Salt
2 teaspoons (measured)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (measured)
Oregano
2 teaspoons (measured)
Dijon-style Mustard
2 tablespoons (measured)
Pesto Sauce
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Garlic
2 cloves (scored)
Instructions
1
Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out accurately.
2
In a clean glass jar (like a 3-cup canning jar), combine the white vinegar, canola oil, salt, sugar, oregano, Dijon-style mustard, pesto sauce, and the scored garlic cloves.
3
Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
4
Shake the jar vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and emulsified.
5
Taste the dressing and adjust the amount of pesto sauce according to your preference for flavor intensity.
6
Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to a month. If desired, after a few days, remove the garlic cloves to mellow the flavor further.
7
Shake well before each use to recombine ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pesto Italian Vinaigrette?
It is a bright and flavorful dressing that combines the freshness of pesto with tangy vinegar and oil for a versatile salad topping.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are white vinegar, canola oil, salt, sugar, oregano, Dijon-style mustard, pesto sauce, and garlic cloves.
How do I prepare this vinaigrette?
Combine all ingredients in a glass jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until emulsified.
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe mentions homemade pesto, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine as well.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of white vinegar.
Which oil is best for this dressing?
Canola oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, which allows the pesto and garlic to shine.
How long does this dressing stay fresh?
You can store this dressing in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Do I need a blender to make this vinaigrette?
No, a blender is not necessary; simply shaking the ingredients in a jar is sufficient.
How should I store the finished product?
Store the vinaigrette in a sealed glass jar, such as a canning jar, inside the refrigerator.
Should I remove the garlic cloves at some point?
Yes, you can remove the garlic cloves after a few days if you want to mellow the flavor.
What is the purpose of scoring the garlic cloves?
Scoring the garlic helps release its juices and flavor into the vinaigrette more effectively.
Can I adjust the amount of pesto used?
Absolutely; you can taste the dressing and add more pesto sauce to achieve your preferred flavor intensity.
What can I serve with this Creamy Pesto Italian Vinaigrette?
It is excellent on mixed greens, pasta salads, or drizzled over grilled vegetables.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, homemade condiment using simple ingredients.
What size jar is recommended for mixing?
A 3-cup canning jar is ideal for holding and shaking the ingredients.
Does the dressing separate over time?
Yes, separation is natural; make sure to shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
Is there sugar in this vinaigrette?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 teaspoons of sugar to provide a touch of sweetness.
What role does Dijon mustard play in the recipe?
Dijon mustard adds depth of flavor and helps emulsify the oil and vinegar.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, though dried is listed, fresh oregano can be used; typically you use more fresh herbs than dried.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the label on your pesto and mustard to be sure.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 8 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, its savory and acidic profile makes it a great marinade for meats or vegetables.
Why is it called 'Creamy' if there is no cream?
The 'creamy' texture comes from the emulsification of the oil, mustard, and pesto when shaken vigorously.
Can I substitute the canola oil?
You can use light olive oil, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.
Is this dressing spicy?
No, it is flavorful and tangy but generally not spicy.
Can I freeze the vinaigrette?
It is best kept refrigerated; freezing may change the texture of the pesto and oil.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt.
Is this suitable for a vegan diet?
It depends on the pesto; many pestos contain parmesan cheese, so use a vegan pesto if needed.
What is the prep time?
Preparation is very fast, requiring only a few minutes to measure and shake the ingredients.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as you have a large enough jar to allow for shaking.