Italian Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette
Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked hills of Italy with this vibrant Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette. This dressing combines the robust flavors of extra virgin olive oil and rich red wine vinegar, complemented by aromatic garlic and a touch of seasoning. Inspired by a cherished recipe passed down to my father during a memorable grunion hunt company picnic, this dressing has become a beloved staple in our kitchen. Drizzle it over your favorite salads or use it as a marinade for grilled vegetables and meats. Its delightful taste only gets better the longer it sits, making it perfect for meal prep.
12
Servings
75
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2/3 cup (none)
Red Wine Vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Ground Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a clean glass jar with a secure lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
2
Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended and emulsified.
3
For best flavor, let the vinaigrette sit at room temperature for at least an hour or overnight to allow the ingredients to meld.
4
Before serving, shake the jar again to mix any separated elements.
5
Drizzle the dressing over your choice of fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.
6
Store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature and shake well before using.
Nutrition Information
8.3g
Fat
0.2g
Carbs
0g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant dressing combining extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, and simple seasonings, inspired by a cherished family recipe.
How many ingredients are needed for this vinaigrette?
This recipe requires 5 main ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
What is the recommended ratio of oil to vinegar?
The recipe uses a 2:1 ratio, specifically 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil to 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be crushed before being added to the jar to help release its aromatic flavors into the oil and vinegar.
Do I need a blender to make this dressing?
No, a blender is not necessary; you simply need a clean glass jar with a secure lid to shake the ingredients together until emulsified.
How long should the vinaigrette sit before serving?
For the best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour or overnight to allow the ingredients to meld.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this dressing?
There are 8.3 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the heart-healthy olive oil.
Is this Italian vinaigrette low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is very low in carbohydrates, containing only 0.2 grams per serving.
How should I store leftover dressing?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to one week.
What should I do if the oil solidifies in the fridge?
Allow the dressing to come to room temperature and shake it well to re-emulsify the ingredients before using.
Can I use this recipe as a marinade?
Absolutely! This vinaigrette works wonderfully as a marinade for grilled vegetables and various meats.
What is the origin story of this recipe?
The recipe was passed down to the creator's father during a memorable company picnic held during a grunion hunt.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, this specific Italian Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette recipe contains no added sugar.
Is this dressing suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the ingredients are entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Rich red wine vinegar is recommended for its depth and acidity.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, homemade option using natural ingredients like olive oil and garlic.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much pepper should I add?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper to the mix.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep because the flavor improves the longer it sits and it stores well.
What should I do right before pouring the dressing?
Shake the jar vigorously again to ensure any separated elements are well blended.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as European cuisine, specifically inspired by Italian flavors.
Does this recipe contain protein?
No, this vinaigrette contains 0 grams of protein per serving.
Is the dressing spicy?
It has a mild bite from the fresh garlic and ground pepper but is generally not considered spicy.
What can I serve this dressing with?
It is delicious over fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or as a flavorful addition to grilled meats.
Can I substitute the garlic clove with garlic powder?
While fresh crushed garlic is recommended for the best flavor, you could use powder in a pinch, though the fresh aromatic quality will differ.
How long does it take to prepare?
The active preparation time is just a few minutes, though it is best to let it rest for an hour before use.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this vinaigrette is naturally gluten-free.