Zesty Herb Vinaigrette
Revitalize your salads and meals with this Zesty Herb Vinaigrette, inspired by the raw food philosophy of Jordan Maerin. This dressing is a wholesome blend of extra virgin olive oil and your choice of organic vinegar, enhanced with the natural sweetness of honey or agave syrup. Bursting with fresh flavors from minced garlic and aromatic herbs, it not only elevates greens but also serves as a delightful marinade for vegetables like cherry tomatoes and mushrooms. Let your ingredients marinate to infuse every bite with robust taste. Keep this recipe close at hand because its versatility makes it an essential addition to your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (none)
raw cider or balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
honey or agave syrup
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
2 teaspoons (none)
dried basil
2 teaspoons (none)
dried chili
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a clean jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil and your choice of raw cider or balsamic vinegar.
2
Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and honey (or agave syrup) to the jar.
3
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. If desired, add dried chili for a hint of spiciness.
4
Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Use immediately or let the vinaigrette sit for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
6
For marinating vegetables, pour the vinaigrette over your choice of veggies and allow them to marinate at room temperature for three hours or overnight in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Herb Vinaigrette?
It is a wholesome salad dressing and marinade inspired by Jordan Maerin's raw food philosophy, featuring extra virgin olive oil and herbs.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include extra virgin olive oil, raw cider or balsamic vinegar, garlic, honey or agave, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
How do I prepare this dressing?
Combine all ingredients in a clean jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until emulsified.
What type of vinegar should I use?
You can use either raw cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar depending on your flavor preference.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either minced fresh garlic or garlic powder.
Is this vinaigrette vegan?
The recipe is vegan-friendly if you choose agave syrup as the sweetener instead of honey.
What sweeteners are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using either honey or agave syrup to provide natural sweetness.
How should I store the vinaigrette?
Store the vinaigrette in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator or at room temperature if using immediately.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it serves as an excellent marinade for vegetables like cherry tomatoes and mushrooms.
How long should I marinate vegetables?
Vegetables should be marinated for at least three hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
Which herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses dried oregano and dried basil for its aromatic herb profile.
How can I make the dressing spicy?
You can add dried chili to the mixture to provide a hint of spiciness.
How long does the preparation take?
The preparation is very quick, requiring only a few minutes to measure and shake the ingredients.
Why is it recommended to let the dressing sit for 15 minutes?
Allowing the dressing to sit for 15 minutes helps to enhance and meld the flavors of the herbs and garlic.
Do I need a blender to make this?
No, a blender is not necessary; a simple jar is sufficient for emulsifying the ingredients through shaking.
Can I use other types of oil?
While extra virgin olive oil is recommended for flavor and health benefits, you can experiment with other oils if preferred.
What vegetables pair best with this as a marinade?
Cherry tomatoes and mushrooms are specifically recommended for their ability to absorb the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for a raw food diet?
Yes, it is specifically inspired by raw food philosophy and utilizes raw ingredients.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the amount of vinegar needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of raw cider or balsamic vinegar.
What is the oil-to-vinegar ratio in this recipe?
The ratio is 2 parts oil to 1 part vinegar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, fresh herbs can be substituted for dried oregano and basil for a more vibrant taste.
How do I ensure the dressing is well combined?
Vigorous shaking in a sealed jar is the best way to ensure the oil and vinegar are properly emulsified.
What if I do not have a jar?
You can whisk the ingredients in a small bowl, though shaking in a jar is more effective for emulsification.
Can this be used on pasta salad?
Yes, the zesty and herbal profile makes it a great dressing for cold pasta salads.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I use this as a marinade for meat?
While designed for vegetables and salads, it can also serve as a light marinade for chicken or fish.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
Who is the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the culinary repertoire and raw food philosophy of Jordan Maerin.