Silky Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette
Elevate your salad game with this Silky Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette. Rich and tangy with a hint of roasted garlic, this dressing pairs beautifully with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for proteins. Drizzle it generously over a caprese salad of ripe roma tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, and you'll never turn back to store-bought dressings again.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
balsamic vinegar
2 cups (none)
roast garlic oil
1 cup (none)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and sugar over low heat. Stir often until the sugar has dissolved completely, then continue to simmer the mixture gently until it has reduced by half, creating a thick, syrup-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2
Transfer the balsamic reduction into a blender. Add the Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3
Secure the blender lid. Start blending on a low speed, and if your blender lid has a removable small cap, take it out and slowly drizzle in the roasted garlic oil while the blender is running. Try to pour the oil in a steady stream to emulsify the vinaigrette well.
4
Once all the garlic oil is incorporated, replace the small cap and increase the blender speed to high. Blend for about one minute or until the vinaigrette is smooth, silky, and fully emulsified.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silky Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette?
It is a rich, tangy, and silky salad dressing featuring balsamic vinegar and roasted garlic notes.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are balsamic vinegar, roasted garlic oil, kosher salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and sugar.
How do I prepare the balsamic reduction?
Combine balsamic vinegar and sugar over low heat, stirring until dissolved, and simmer until reduced by half.
What is the desired consistency of the reduction?
The reduction should have a thick, syrup-like consistency.
Why should I use a blender for this recipe?
A blender is necessary to properly emulsify the oil and vinegar, ensuring a smooth and silky texture.
How do I add the oil to the mixture?
Drizzle the roast garlic oil in a slow, steady stream while the blender is running on a low speed.
How long should I blend the vinaigrette?
Once all oil is incorporated, blend on high speed for about one minute until fully emulsified.
What role does Dijon mustard play in the recipe?
Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier to help bind the vinegar and oil together.
Is this vinaigrette recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients like oil, vinegar, and sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is classified as vegetarian.
How should I store the finished vinaigrette?
Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the dressing stay fresh?
The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Do I need to shake the dressing before use?
Yes, you should shake the container well before each use as some settling may occur.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
What type of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Can this vinaigrette be used as a marinade?
Yes, it works beautifully as a marinade for various proteins.
What salads pair well with this dressing?
It is excellent on fresh salads, particularly Caprese salads with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients in this recipe.
How much balsamic vinegar is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of balsamic vinegar.
How much roast garlic oil is needed?
You will need 1 cup of roast garlic oil.
What is the serving size?
The recipe serves 4 people.
Can I use this on cooked vegetables?
Yes, it is a great addition to grilled vegetables.
Should the balsamic reduction be cooled before blending?
Yes, allow the reduction to cool slightly before transferring it to the blender.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with quick preparation steps.
Why is the vinegar and sugar simmered?
Simmering reduces the liquid to intensify the flavor and create a thicker base for the dressing.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the final product and adjust the salt or pepper as needed.
What is the first step in making the vinaigrette?
The first step is to combine the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat.
What speed should the blender start at?
The blender should start on a low speed while incorporating the oil.
How much sugar is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sugar.
Is this better than store-bought dressing?
The recipe suggests that once you try this fresh version, you will not want to go back to store-bought options.