Zesty Apple Herb Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this vibrant Zesty Apple Herb Vinaigrette! Combining the tanginess of cider vinegar with the natural sweetness of apple juice and honey, this dressing brings a delightful balance of flavors. Fresh herbs like flat leaf parsley and basil infuse the vinaigrette with a refreshing aroma and taste. Perfect for drizzling over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade, this versatile dressing is sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering. Whip it up in just a few minutes and enjoy a burst of fresh flavor in every bite!
1
Servings
576
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flat Leaf Parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Apple Juice
1/4 cup (none)
Fresh Basil Leaves
3 leaves (torn into pieces)
Honey
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by gathering all ingredients and measuring them out for convenience.
2
In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped flat leaf parsley, cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, apple juice, torn basil leaves, honey, salt, Dijon mustard, and ground black pepper.
3
Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, typically about 30 seconds. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides to ensure even blending.
4
Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or a dash of honey for sweetness if desired.
5
Transfer the vinaigrette to a clean jar or bottle. Serve immediately over your favorite salad. Alternatively, refrigerate for up to a week; remember to shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
Nutrition Information
42g
Fat
52g
Carbs
1g
Protein
2g
Fiber
31g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Apple Herb Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant salad dressing combining cider vinegar, apple juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil.
How do I make this vinaigrette?
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend on high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.
How long does this dressing stay fresh?
You can refrigerate the vinaigrette in a clean jar or bottle for up to one week.
Is this recipe vegan?
As written, it contains honey. To make it vegan, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include flat leaf parsley, cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, apple juice, fresh basil, honey, salt, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, this versatile dressing works excellently as a marinade for proteins or roasted vegetables.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
This recipe contains approximately 576 calories.
How should I store the vinaigrette?
Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container and shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
A blender or food processor is recommended to achieve a smooth consistency and properly emulsify the oil and vinegar.
Can I substitute the flat leaf parsley?
Yes, while flat leaf parsley is recommended for its flavor, you can use curly parsley if needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your mustard label to be certain.
What kind of oil is best for this dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for its rich flavor and health benefits.
How much sugar is in the Zesty Apple Herb Vinaigrette?
There are 31 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from the apple juice and honey.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but you can use dried herbs by reducing the quantity to about one-third of the fresh amount.
What does Dijon mustard do in this recipe?
Dijon mustard adds tanginess and acts as an emulsifier to help keep the oil and vinegar blended together.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 42 grams of fat, mostly from the heart-healthy olive oil.
Is there protein in this dressing?
This dressing contains a minimal amount of protein, approximately 1 gram.
What kind of apple juice should I use?
Any standard apple juice works, but unsweetened or fresh-pressed juice provides the best flavor balance.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can add an extra dash of honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing or reduce it for more tang.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What type of vinegar is used?
Cider vinegar is used to complement the apple juice and provide a sharp tang.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as alternatives, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How much fiber does this vinaigrette have?
The dressing provides 2 grams of fiber.
What is the preparation for the basil leaves?
The fresh basil leaves should be torn into pieces before being added to the blender.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as quick and easy, taking only a few minutes to prepare.
How many carbohydrates are in this dressing?
There are 52 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I do if the dressing separates in the fridge?
It is normal for oil-based dressings to separate; simply shake the jar well before serving.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding a clove of fresh garlic or a pinch of garlic powder would be a delicious addition.
What is the best way to serve this?
Drizzle it over mixed greens, use it on roasted vegetables, or use it as a dip for crusty bread.
Should I wash the herbs before blending?
Yes, always wash and dry your fresh parsley and basil before adding them to the mixture.