Sunshine in a Jar Classic Mediterranean Salad Dressing
Sunshine In A Jar Classic Mediterranean Salad Dr
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 80 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving those bright, fresh flavours of the Med? This mediterranean salad dressing recipe will sort you right out! Honestly, it's like sunshine in a bottle, so good you will make salad an addiction!
Brief Overview
This style of dressing is rooted in the Mediterranean diet recipes , a way of eating celebrated for its health benefits and delicious flavours.
It’s super easy ready in 5 minutes flat. Makes about 1 cup, perfect for multiple salads. It’s great for a quick lunch or to liven up any dinner.
Main Benefits
Olive oil-based dressings are packed with heart healthy fats. This homemade salad dressing is ideal for a light, refreshing meal and special when you really want to add flavour, and makes any gathering more exciting.
What sets it apart? It's so easy to customise.
Sunshine in a Jar: Classic Mediterranean Salad Dressing
This dressing will transport you! Imagine yourself on a sun-drenched Greek island. This vibrant, flavourful dressing is made with the best extra virgin olive oil and fragrant herbs.
Forget about store bought stuff; this is the real deal.
What's So Great About This Mediterranean Salad Dressing Recipe?
This is seriously one of the easy salad dressing recipe I know. The best part? It only takes like 5 minutes to whip together. Talk about a win-win!
Where did Mediterranean Salad Dressing Come From?
The beauty of this dressing lies in its simplicity. Its origins come from the Greek salad recipes and the broader Mediterranean region. You know, where fresh ingredients and flavour are everything .
This Homemade Vinaigrette is easier than you think
This recipe is a right piece of cake. The time is a quick 5 minutes prep. Yield is about 1 cup.
You will never want to buy dressing again, honestly. This is the best mediterranean vinaigrette recipe .
The Secret Ingredient? Great Olive Oil!
You gotta use good quality extra virgin olive oil. Don't skimp on the good stuff; it makes all the difference. Also, fresh lemon juice is a must!
Time to Gather Your Bits for the Best Olive Oil Dressing
Here’s what you need: extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt and pepper. You likely have most of that already!
Sunshine in a Jar: The Goods and the Gadgets
Right, let's talk ingredients. Because let's face it, naff ingredients equals naff mediterranean salad dressing . We want amazing , yeah? This easy salad dressing recipe needs some love.
The Main Players
Here's what you'll need. Measurements are important, but don't stress too much. Remember, cooking should be fun!
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced.
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Red Wine Vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper.
Good olive oil is key. Seriously. Get the decent stuff. It'll make your homemade vinaigrette sing. The lemon juice has to be fresh.
None of that bottled stuff. It's just not the same. Trust me on this. For the Garlic, fresh is always best, but in a pinch, powder is okay.
Mediterranean Diet Recipes can benefit from fresh ingredients, it is amazing how easy is to make Salad Dressing Recipes Homemade !.
Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Boosters!
Oregano and basil are the stars of this show. But don't be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.
You know, if you’re feeling brave. Thyme works great, too. It is amazing the flavours this Olive oil dressing can bring.
A good pinch of salt and pepper will bring it all together. Don't be shy. Homemade salad dressing needs some oomph! I love to freshly grind the pepper when I make the mediterranean vinaigrette recipe .
I'm telling you it is a game changer.
Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid
You really don't need much.
- A whisk.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A small bowl or jar with a lid.
A garlic mincer is handy, but not essential. You can just chop it finely. Honestly, sometimes the simple lemon vinaigrette dressing is the best.
I used to try to get fancy with my Greek Salad Recipes but now I know better. And I really love this mediterranean salad dressing because of the equipment you need!
Sunshine in a Jar: Classic Mediterranean Salad Dressing
Fancy a taste of sunshine? This Mediterranean Salad Dressing is your ticket. It's super easy and tastes like a holiday in Greece.
Honestly, ditch the shop bought stuff, yeah? It's all about fresh flavours.
This easy salad dressing recipe is all you need. It's perfect for your Mediterranean Diet Recipes . Ready in 5 minutes. That's it! It’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine .
Difficulty Level: Easy if you can whisk, you're golden.
Time Estimates: Prep: 5 minutes . Cook: 0 minutes . Total: 5 minutes (plus 30 mins to let flavours mingle).
Prep Steps
Essential mise en place : Gather all your ingredients first. Honestly, it makes life so much easier. Get your olive oil, lemon, garlic.
Time saving organization tips : Mince the garlic while the lemon’s being squeezed. Every second counts, right? Safety reminders : Watch those fingers when mincing garlic.
Ouch!
Step-by-Step Process
- Combine: In a bowl or jar, whisk 1/2 cup (120 ml) good quality extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice, 2 minced cloves garlic, 1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Whisk Vigorously: Whisk. Really get in there. Until it looks slightly emufied. A bit cloudy and less oily.
- Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste. Is it zesty enough? More salt? Now’s your chance.
- Rest (Optional): Let it sit for at least 30 minutes . Trust me, the flavours pop.
- Shake or Whisk Before Serving: Oil and vinegar can separate. A quick shake or whisk sorts it.
Pro Tips
- Use good quality olive oil dressing . It’s the base. You’ll taste the difference.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Not whisking enough. Be vigorous ! This is the perfect Homemade Salad Dressing . It makes or breaks your Greek Salad Recipes !
- Make ahead options: This keeps for about a week in the fridge. Perfect for meal prep! This Mediterranean vinaigrette recipe will become your go-to! It’s so versatile, and I love how simple it is to whip up a batch of lemon vinaigrette dressing . My nonna would be proud.
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Mediterranean Salad Dressing
Honestly, whipping up this easy salad dressing recipe is so simple. It's quicker than waiting for the kettle to boil for your morning cuppa! But a few little tweaks can make all the difference between "meh" and "OMG, this is the best homemade salad dressing ever!".
Here's the lowdown:
Serving Suggestions: Salad Goals and Beyond
Right, let's talk presentation! For a rustic vibe, serve your Greek salad recipes already tossed with the Mediterranean salad dressing in a big, earthenware bowl.
Think sunshine on a plate. Or, get fancy and arrange your salad ingredients artfully and then drizzle that glorious olive oil dressing over the top at the table.
Don't limit yourself to salads, though! This homemade vinaigrette is killer drizzled over grilled halloumi or as a marinade for chicken skewers.
A glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon makes it a meal.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
This Mediterranean vinaigrette recipe is best used fresh, but it keeps well. Pop any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll last for up to a week, no worries.
Refrigeration guidelines: Just make sure it's properly sealed. The olive oil dressing might solidify a bit in the cold, so give it a good shake or a quick whisk before using.
Freezing isn't recommended; it'll mess with the texture. Honestly, it’s so easy to make, just whip up a fresh batch!
Variations: Get Creative with Your Dressing
Feeling adventurous? Here are a couple of twists:
- Dietary Adaptations: For a vegan version, just double check your vinegar is vegan friendly. Most are, but better safe than sorry.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, swap the dried herbs for fresh ones finely chopped basil, oregano, or even mint. It adds a real zesty freshness.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bottle (Well, Jar!)
This lemon vinaigrette dressing is packed with healthy fats from the olive oil dressing , so it’s actually good for you! (Quote) "Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
" One tablespoon clocks in at about 80 calories, but remember you are using healthy fats. It's a tasty way to sneak some extra nutrients into your Mediterranean diet recipes .
So, there you have it a mediterranean salad dressing that's quick, easy, and delicious. Go on, give it a whirl. You won't regret it! Plus, you'll never buy bottled again!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade mediterranean salad dressing last in the fridge? I'd hate to waste it!
Your homemade Mediterranean salad dressing will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container. Because there are no preservatives, like you'd find in a shop bought dressing, it won't last as long.
The olive oil may solidify in the fridge, but just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or give it a good shake to bring it back to its former glory. Think of it like a nice bottle of red it just needs a little coaxing!
Can I make this mediterranean salad dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I encourage it. Letting the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. Just give it a good shake or whisk before serving, as the oil and vinegar tend to separate.
It's like marinating a roast the longer it sits, the better the flavour!
What are some good substitutions if I don't have all the ingredients for this salad dressing?
No worries, we've all been there! If you're out of red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substituted. For the herbs, fresh is always lovely but dried works just as well; thyme, rosemary, or marjoram are also great alternatives.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, a pinch of garlic powder will do just remember less is more, start with 1/4 teaspoon!
How can I make this mediterranean salad dressing creamier?
For a creamier texture, try whisking in a tablespoon of tahini! It adds a lovely nutty flavour and thickens the dressing nicely. Alternatively, you could add a dollop of Greek yoghurt or even a small amount of mayonnaise, but be mindful that these will change the flavour profile somewhat, so experiment to your liking.
Is mediterranean salad dressing healthy?
Yes, this Mediterranean salad dressing is packed with healthy fats and flavor! It's primarily made with extra virgin olive oil, which is a source of monounsaturated fats, known for their heart healthy benefits. It's much better than store bought dressings that are often loaded with sugar and preservatives.
Just remember to use it in moderation like all things good in life!
The dressing tastes a bit too strong/bitter. What can I do?
A strong, bitter taste often comes from the olive oil or garlic. If the olive oil is particularly robust, try using a milder variety next time. If it's the garlic, try using a smaller amount, or crush the clove and remove it after it has infused the dressing for 30 minutes to an hour.
You can also add a touch more lemon juice or even a tiny pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors. Taste as you go, you're aiming for a Goldilocks situation.
