Whip Up Your Zesty Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe Today

Crafting a zesty vinaigrette dressing sparks culinary creativity in your kitchen.

Whisks and fresh ingredients become your artistic tools for flavor magic.

Mediterranean chefs have long celebrated this simple yet powerful sauce.

Simple pantry staples combine into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Bright herbs and quality olive oil make each batch unique.

Homemade versions crush store-bought alternatives with vibrant, personalized tastes.

A quick shake in a mason jar unleashes deliciousness that will make salads sing.

You’ll want to drizzle this liquid gold over everything in sight.

Why Delia Smith Vinaigrette Dressing Is A Tangy Essential

• Boost Flavor Fast: Create a rich, tangy vinaigrette that transforms ordinary salads into gourmet dishes with just a few simple ingredients.
• Master Culinary Skills: Learn professional techniques like making a smooth garlic paste and perfectly emulsifying oil, enhancing your kitchen confidence.
• Customize Your Dressing: Experiment with different vinegars, spices, or herbs to match your meal's flavor profile and personal taste preferences.
• Zero Processed Ingredients: Craft a pure, fresh dressing without artificial additives, giving you complete control over what goes into your meal.

What You’ll Need For Delia Smith Vinaigrette Dressing

• Sea Salt: A mineral seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the vinaigrette.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dressing.
• Olive Oil: A smooth, rich base that helps create a silky and well-blended vinaigrette.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A tangy liquid that provides a sweet and acidic balance to the dressing.
• Mustard Powder: A spicy condiment that helps emulsify the ingredients and adds a sharp, zesty note.
• Black Pepper: A classic spice that introduces a subtle heat and warmth to the vinaigrette.

How To Make Delia Smith Vinaigrette Dressing

Step 1: Prepare Salt and Garlic

Grab your mortar and pestle and start grinding sea salt into a fine powder. Once the salt is pulverized, add fresh garlic cloves and mash them together until you create a smooth, aromatic paste.

Step 2: Blend Flavor Enhancers

Introduce tangy mustard powder, rich balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper into the mixture. Use your whisk to combine these ingredients, creating a vibrant and bold base for your vinaigrette.

Step 3: Create Silky Emulsion

Slowly stream in extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking. This gradual technique helps the oil incorporate smoothly, transforming the mixture into a beautifully unified and glossy dressing. Keep whisking until the vinaigrette looks creamy and well-blended.

Step 4: Final Whisk and Serve

Give the vinaigrette one last vigorous whisk to ensure all ingredients are perfectly combined. Your homemade dressing is now ready to drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, or use as a marinade for grilled meats and seafood.

Helpful Tips For Vinaigrette Dressing

• Crush Salt Precisely: Use a fine mortar and pestle to transform sea salt into a delicate powder for smoother blending and more even seasoning.
• Garlic Paste Technique: Mash garlic thoroughly to release maximum flavor and create a silky consistency that integrates perfectly with other ingredients.
• Emulsify with Care: Slowly stream olive oil while whisking continuously to create a stable, creamy vinaigrette that won't separate.
• Flavor Balance Trick: Add black pepper and mustard powder gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect tangy and spicy profile.
• Storage Hack: Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, giving it a quick shake before using.

Ways To Switch Up Delia Smith Vinaigrette Dressing

• Herb-Infused Vinaigrette: Replace black pepper with fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for a fragrant Mediterranean-style dressing.
• Citrus Kick Vinaigrette: Swap balsamic vinegar with fresh lemon or orange juice and add zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Vinaigrette: Use a salt substitute like potassium chloride or reduce salt quantity for those watching sodium intake.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Replace olive oil with avocado oil or cold-pressed flaxseed oil for alternative plant-based nutrition and smooth texture.

What To Pair With Delia Smith Vinaigrette Dressing

• Pair Zesty Salad Greens: Match this tangy vinaigrette with crisp mixed greens, arugula, or baby spinach to highlight its sharp flavor profile.
• Complement Grilled Proteins: Drizzle over grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp to enhance the dish's Mediterranean-inspired taste and add bright acidity.
• Select Perfect Wine Companion: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Pinot Grigio that mirrors the vinaigrette's bright and acidic notes.
• Enhance Bread Experience: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or rustic ciabatta to soak up the rich, complex dressing and create a delightful appetizer moment.

How To Store Delia Smith Vinaigrette Dressing

• Store vinaigrette in an airtight glass jar for up to 5 days. Seal tightly and keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Always give the dressing a good shake before serving, as ingredients may separate during storage.
• Do not freeze this vinaigrette, as the emulsion will break and texture will become unpleasant when thawed.
• Let dressing sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to help ingredients blend smoothly and enhance flavor.

FAQs For Delia Smith Vinaigrette Dressing

• What ingredients do I need for this vinaigrette?

You’ll need sea salt, garlic, mustard powder, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and olive oil.

• Can I use different types of vinegar?

Yes, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work great as alternatives to balsamic vinegar.

• How long will this vinaigrette stay fresh?

The dressing will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.

• Is a mortar and pestle necessary for this recipe?

While it helps create a smoother texture, you can also use the back of a spoon or a garlic press to crush the salt and garlic.

Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon herb vinaigrette dazzles taste buds with Mediterranean charm, blending bright citrus and fragrant herbs. Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a light, tangy dressing perfect for salads and drizzling over grilled vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing Base:

• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) coarse sea salt
• 1 rounded teaspoon (5 ml) mustard powder

Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 ml) extra virgin olive oil

Seasoning:

• Freshly milled black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pulverize sea salt using a mortar and pestle, creating a fine granular texture.
2. Introduce minced garlic and transform into a smooth, aromatic paste by grinding against the sides of the mortar.
3. Incorporate mustard powder, balsamic vinegar, and freshly cracked black pepper, blending ingredients thoroughly.
4. Gradually stream olive oil into the mixture, whisking consistently to create a seamless, silky emulsion.
5. Continue whisking vigorously until the vinaigrette achieves a uniform, glossy consistency with no visible oil separation.

Notes

• Use freshly ground sea salt for a more intense flavor profile and better texture when crushing.
• Mince garlic finely before mashing to ensure a smooth, even paste without large chunks.
• Choose high-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer, more complex taste in the dressing.
• Drizzle olive oil gradually while whisking to create a perfect emulsion that won’t separate quickly.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 90 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg