Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this delightful Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette, perfect for those adhering to the South Beach Diet Phase 1. Combining the rich flavor of balsamic vinegar with the spicy kick of Dijon mustard and garlic, this dressing adds a tangy twist to any dish. The addition of fresh shallots and dried thyme enhances the overall flavor profile, while the extra virgin olive oil brings it all together for a silky finish. Whip up this quick and easy dressing to brighten up your meals with health-conscious, delicious flair.
4
Servings
170
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Balsamic Vinegar
3 tablespoons (None)
Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon (None)
Garlic Clove
1 small (minced)
Shallots or Red Onion
1 teaspoon (minced)
Dried Thyme
1 pinch (None)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup (None)
Salt
1 pinch (None)
Pepper
1 pinch (None)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, minced shallots (or red onion), and dried thyme.
2
Whisk the mixture together until well combined and smooth.
3
Gradually add in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing.
4
Taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to your personal preference.
5
Transfer the vinaigrette to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate if not using immediately. Shake well before serving.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
0.75g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe?
The Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette is a tangy salad dressing featuring balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
Is this dressing suitable for the South Beach Diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be perfect for those adhering to the South Beach Diet Phase 1.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 170 calories per serving of this vinaigrette.
What are the primary ingredients for this vinaigrette?
The main ingredients include balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, shallots, dried thyme, and extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette is vegan-friendly as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 18.75g of fat, primarily from the extra virgin olive oil.
What is the carbohydrate content?
This is a low-carb dressing with only 0.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Can I use red onion instead of shallots?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 teaspoon of minced red onion as a substitute for minced shallots.
How much balsamic vinegar is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
What type of mustard should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to provide a spicy kick.
How is the garlic prepared for this recipe?
One small garlic clove should be minced before being added to the mixture.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the first step in making the dressing?
In a medium bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, minced shallots, and dried thyme.
How do I emulsify the vinaigrette?
To emulsify, gradually add the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking the other ingredients.
How should I store the vinaigrette?
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate it if you are not using it immediately.
Should I shake the dressing before serving?
Yes, you should shake the container well before serving to ensure the ingredients are properly mixed.
Is there any protein in this recipe?
Yes, there is a small amount of protein, approximately 0.25g per serving.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Salad Dressings.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No sugar is added to this recipe, making it suitable for low-sugar diet phases.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should taste and season with salt and pepper according to your personal preference.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, health-conscious dressing that provides a silky finish with extra virgin olive oil.
Is this vinaigrette easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy dressing that can be whipped up quickly to brighten your meals.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses balsamic vinegar for its rich flavor.
Is there any cholesterol in this dressing?
Cholesterol information is not provided, but the plant-based ingredients typically contain zero cholesterol.
What is the texture of the finished dressing?
The dressing has a silky finish once the oil is properly emulsified.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
The recipe specifies dried thyme, but fresh thyme could likely be used as a flavorful alternative.
What makes this dressing 'zesty'?
The combination of tangy balsamic vinegar, spicy Dijon mustard, and pungent minced garlic creates its zesty flavor profile.