Savoury and Satisfying: Red Wine Herb Vinaigrette Recipe

Are you tired of using the same old pre-made salad dressings from the grocery store? Do you want to add some new flavors to your leafy greens? Look no further, because I have just the recipe for you. This red wine herb vinaigrette dressing recipe is perfect for anyone looking to switch up their salad game.

With a combination of red wine vinegar, pure maple syrup, and a variety of herbs, this dressing has a unique and delicious taste that will elevate any salad. It’s easy to make, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already.

Plus, by making your own dressing, you can control exactly what goes into it. No more guessing at what kind of preservatives or additives might be lurking in those store-bought bottles. You know exactly what you’re getting with this fresh herb vinaigrette.

So let’s get started on making this homemade dressing that will transform your salads into works of art!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something special about homemade vinaigrette. It adds a level of flavor to any salad like no store-bought dressing can do. Once you make this red wine herb vinaigrette dressing, you won’t look back!

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make! With just a handful of easily sourced ingredients, you can whip up this tasty dressing in under 10 minutes. Plus, it’s a healthy alternative to store-bought dressings that are often filled with unnecessary sugars and additives. By making your own, you have complete control over the ingredients you’re putting in your body.

But the real reason why this dressing will become a staple in your kitchen is the incredible taste! The combination of red wine vinegar, pure maple syrup, and dijon mustard create a well-rounded tangy sweetness that just perfect for any green salad. The mixture of oregano and basil adds an extra depth of flavor that makes every bite even more satisfying.

Moreover, versatility is one of the best features of this dressing! You can tweak the recipe to your liking by adding more honey or maple syrup if you prefer sweeter dressings or cutting down on the amount of oil for a tangier flavor. That means whether you want to drizzle it over a green salad or use it as a marinade for your favorite protein, this dressing helps take the dish to another level!

In conclusion, there are so many reasons why you’ll love this red wine herb vinaigrette dressing recipe! It’s easy and quick to make, healthy, and most importantly delicious! So what are you waiting for? Give it a try and let your taste buds be amazed!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this red wine herb vinaigrette dressing recipe:
– 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
– 1/2 cup Red Wine
– 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
– 2 cloves Garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Honey or Pure Maple Syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
– 1/4 teaspoon Salt
– Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon Dried Basil
– 3/4 cup Olive Oil (or a mix of olive and canola oil)
– Fresh Herbs: Chopped Basil, Oregano, Thyme or Rosemary to taste (Optional)

Note: You can adjust the amounts of ingredients and customize them according to your preference.

The Recipe How-To

Now, it’s time to dive into the recipe for this Red Wine Herb Vinaigrette Dressing. This easy-to-follow recipe doesn’t require any special preparation, and with a few simple steps, you can make an exceptional dressing that will add flavor and depth to your salads.

Ingredients List:

You will need the following ingredients to make this Red Wine Herb Vinaigrette Dressing:

• 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of red wine
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons of dried basil
• 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper

Recipe How-To:

1. Take a small mixing bowl and add red wine vinegar, red wine, honey, dijon mustard, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to it.

Note: You can use fresh herbs instead of dried ones; the flavor will be brighter.

1. Whisk until everything is combined well.

2. Then slowly pour extra-virgin olive oil into the bowl while continuing to whisk.

3. Keep whisking until you see all ingredients are mixed together thoroughly.

4. Now taste the dressing and adjust seasoning according to your preference.

5. Transfer the vinaigrette into a jar with an air-tight lid.

6. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving and Pairing:

This Red Wine Herb Vinaigrette Dressing pairs well with bold-flavored greens like arugula or dandelion greens or any salad with strong flavors such as grilled vegetables or charred meats. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken or fish before cooking to add more depth to the dish.

Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

One of the greatest things about this Red Wine Herb Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe is that there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

– Oil: You can swap out the canola and extra virgin olive oil with any mild-tasting oil such as vegetable, grapeseed or avocado. Just keep in mind that using more extra-virgin olive oil will give a stronger flavor.

– Vinegar: If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The acidity might vary a bit, so make sure to adjust the amount to your liking.

– Honey and Pure Maple Syrup: If you prefer a more tart dressing, you can omit these sweeteners altogether. Alternatively, if you want a sweeter vinaigrette, feel free to add more honey or pure maple syrup.

– Herbs: This recipe calls for dried oregano and basil, but you can certainly use fresh herbs if you have them available. It’s recommended to use three times as much fresh herbs as dry, so feel free to experiment with the quantities.

– Garlic: You can substitute garlic powder for minced garlic cloves or even roasted garlic for a slightly sweeter taste.

– Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor and acts as an emulsifier in the dressing. However, you can use any type of mustard available in your pantry.

These variations will alter the taste and texture of the dressing slightly, so you may need to play around with the amounts until you get your preferred flavor.

Serving and Pairing

This red wine herb vinaigrette is so versatile, you can use it to dress a variety of salads: leafy greens, pasta salad, potato salad, caprese salad, cucumber salad with feta cheese and olives. I find the fresh herb flavor perfectly matches the light and summery flavor of these salads. The possibilities are endless!

If you want to go beyond salads, try pairing it with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms. It’s also a great marinade for chicken or tofu. Drizzling a spoonful on top of grilled steak elevates the dish even more. And if you’re in a hurry, you can even use it as a dipping sauce for crusty artisan bread.

This vinaigrette has a tangy taste with herb undertones that make this versatile dressing perfect for many dishes – it is the perfect layering of flavors to any meal. On that note, since the vinaigrette has an acidic tone to it due to the vinegar content from both red wine and red wine vinegar, I would recommend pairing this recipe with white meat like chicken or fish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try it with some hard cheeses too! Their saltiness stands out by contrast while the dressing brings its tangy flavor.

Serving tip: Always serve this red wine herb vinaigrette at room temperature to ensure smooth consistency for its oil-based nature. Right before serving shake or stir (bring all ingredients back together) since separation may occur during storage.

Overall, this red wine herb vinaigrette is an easy-to-make recipe that’ll take any salad or meat-based recipes to the next level!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This red wine herb vinaigrette dressing recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, as it can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. In fact, I highly recommend that you make this dressing the day before you plan on using it, to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.

To store, simply transfer your dressing to an airtight container or jar, and refrigerate until ready to use. If you find that your vinaigrette has separated a bit in the fridge, simply give it a good shake or whisk before using it. It should be good as new!

When it comes time to serving and reheating your vinaigrette, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’ve kept your dressing in the fridge for a while, it may have thickened up a bit. You can easily re-liquify the dressing by letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before use.

If you need to reheat your dressing (especially if you’ve used olive oil), I would recommend doing so very gently over low heat on the stovetop – especially if you’re reheating larger quantities. You don’t want to overheat the dressing, as it may cause the oil and vinegar mixture to separate again.

Overall, this red wine herb vinaigrette recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make ahead of time. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week ahead or just want to have some tasty homemade salad dressing on hand, this recipe won’t disappoint!

Tips for Perfect Results

To make the perfect Red Wine Herb Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe, here are some tips that will help you achieve the desired taste and texture.

1. Use high-quality ingredients

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients such as extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs. It is always worth the investment to get more flavor from your dressing.

2. Mince garlic properly

To ensure that the garlic flavor is not overwhelming, mince it finely using a sharp knife or garlic press. This way, you can control the amount of garlic in your vinaigrette.

3. Store properly

Store your Red Wine Herb Vinaigrette Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Remember to shake it well before each use to combine all of the ingredients that may have separated.

4. Adjust seasoning

After mixing all of the ingredients, taste and adjust accordingly by adding more salt or pepper if needed. A little extra honey or pure maple syrup can also balance out any acidic flavors that may be too strong.

5. Use dijon mustard

Dijon mustard brings a tangy kick to this recipe while also helping to emulsify the mixture. Make sure you add enough of it in your vinaigrette to bind all of the ingredients together evenly.

6. Let sit for some time

Allowing your Red Wine Herb Vinaigrette Dressing a few minutes to sit after mixing allows all of the flavors to meld together and develop fully. This step helps bring out rich depth from ingredients like garlic, oregano, basil, etc.

By following these tips, you can prepare a perfect and flavorful Red Wine Herb Vinaigrette Dressing every time!

FAQ

As a sommelier, I understand that when it comes to creating the perfect meal, every single detail matters, which is why understanding how to create a vinaigrette is so important. Even with a strong recipe in hand, questions may arise. Below are frequently asked questions to help guide you when making your next batch of red wine herb vinaigrette dressing.

What is the difference between red wine vinegar and red wine vinaigrette?

Red wine vinegar is the result of fermented red wine which has gone through a transformation to turn into vinegar. It boasts a potent vinegar flavor and aroma. When blended with oil, added seasoning, and a dash of sweetness, red wine vinegar makes a versatile and tasty dressing called red wine vinaigrette.

What is the secret to making a good vinaigrette dressing?

When it comes to making vinaigrettes, there’s a vital rule to bear in mind: the oil to vinegar ratio should always be 3:1. However, it’s important to understand that various types of vinegar have varying strengths, hence the ratio may require some tweaking for the ideal taste. With this guideline, you won’t have to constantly refer to a vinaigrette recipe.

What is the formula for vinaigrette dressing?

The recommended proportion for oil to vinegar in usual vinaigrette recipes is three to one.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a versatile and flavorful salad dressing that you can whip up in minutes, look no further than this herb vinaigrette recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, including red wine vinegar and honey, this dressing packs a punch of flavor that will elevate any salad.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also healthier than store-bought dressings that are often loaded with preservatives and added sugars. By making your own dressing, you have control over exactly what goes into it, allowing you to create a more nutritious option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

The addition of herbs gives this dressing an extra dimension of flavor, making it perfect for pairing with a variety of salads. Whether you’re serving up a classic green salad or a hearty Greek salad, this herb vinaigrette can take your dish to the next level.

Plus, by making your own salad dressing, you can save money in the long run. You’ll be amazed at how much more affordable it is to make your own rather than constantly purchasing pre-made dressings at the store.

So why not give this herb vinaigrette recipe a try? Your taste buds – and your wallet – will thank you.

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