Savory Champagne Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this exquisite Savory Champagne Vinaigrette inspired by Ina Garten. This simple yet flavorful dressing combines the brightness of champagne vinegar with the kick of Dijon mustard and the robustness of fresh garlic, creating a delightful complement to any green salad or mesclun mix. Perfect for garden-fresh salads, this vinaigrette not only enhances the taste of your greens but also adds a touch of sophistication to your dining experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon (mince)
champagne vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
fresh pepper
to taste (none)
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
salad greens or mesclun
for 6 to 8 people (washed and torn)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, add the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, champagne vinegar, and a teaspoon of kosher salt along with half a teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper.
2
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined to form a smooth base.
3
While continuing to whisk, gradually drizzle in the olive oil. This will emulsify the mixture, creating a creamy, unified vinaigrette.
4
In a separate medium bowl, place your washed and torn salad greens or mesclun.
5
Drizzle enough of the vinaigrette over the greens to lightly coat them, tossing gently to ensure even coverage.
6
Taste the salad and add a pinch more salt and pepper if desired, tossing again to mix.
7
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, enjoying your vibrant salad dressed to perfection.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Champagne Vinaigrette?
It is a simple yet sophisticated salad dressing that combines champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh garlic for a bright and robust flavor profile.
Who inspired this specific vinaigrette recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the cooking style of Ina Garten.
What are the primary ingredients for the dressing?
The main ingredients include Dijon mustard, minced fresh garlic, champagne vinegar, kosher salt, fresh pepper, and olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to provide approximately 6 servings.
What type of vinegar is required?
You need 3 tablespoons of champagne vinegar for this vinaigrette.
How much olive oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil to be emulsified into the dressing.
What is the first step in preparing the vinaigrette?
The first step is to whisk together the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, champagne vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
How do I ensure the vinaigrette is smooth and creamy?
You should gradually drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the mixture into a unified dressing.
What kind of salad greens are recommended?
Fresh salad greens or a mesclun mix are recommended for use with this dressing.
How should the salad greens be prepared?
The greens should be thoroughly washed and torn into bite-sized pieces before dressing.
When is the best time to serve the salad?
For the freshest flavor and texture, the salad should be served immediately after tossing with the vinaigrette.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the finished salad?
Yes, you can taste the salad after tossing and add an extra pinch of salt or pepper if desired.
What is the role of Dijon mustard in this recipe?
Dijon mustard provides a sharp flavor kick and helps act as an emulsifier to bind the oil and vinegar.
Is fresh garlic necessary for this recipe?
Yes, using one teaspoon of minced fresh garlic provides the robustness and depth characteristic of this vinaigrette.
How much salt and pepper should be added initially?
Start with one teaspoon of kosher salt and half a teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper in the base mixture.
Is this vinaigrette suitable for healthy eating?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy eating option made with fresh ingredients and heart-healthy olive oil.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Salad Dressings.
Can I use this dressing on garden-fresh salads?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to enhance the taste of garden-fresh greens and mesclun.
What does it mean to emulsify the dressing?
Emulsifying means whisking the oil into the vinegar and mustard base slowly so they combine into a thick, stable mixture that doesn't separate.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is labeled as an easy recipe that requires only simple whisking and no cooking.
What type of salt is best for this vinaigrette?
Kosher salt is recommended for its clean flavor and ability to dissolve well in the vinegar base.
Can I use regular white vinegar instead?
While possible, champagne vinegar is preferred for its specific lightness and sophistication which defines this recipe.
How much garlic is needed?
You need one teaspoon of minced fresh garlic.
Is this dressing vegan?
Based on the listed ingredients (mustard, garlic, vinegar, oil, and spices), this vinaigrette is vegan-friendly.
What is the serving size for the greens?
The recipe suggests preparing enough salad greens or mesclun to serve 6 to 8 people.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, this is a savory vinaigrette and does not list sugar or sweeteners in the ingredients.
What is the texture of the finished vinaigrette?
When properly emulsified, the texture should be creamy and unified.
Can I use a blender to mix this?
While the instructions suggest whisking by hand, a blender could also be used to achieve a quick emulsion.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a small mixing bowl for the dressing, a whisk, and a medium bowl for tossing the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most champagne vinegars and Dijon mustards are gluten-free, but you should always check the labels of your specific brands to be sure.