Delicious Red-Wine Vinaigrette Recipe for a Perfect Salad
Are you tired of store-bought salad dressings lacking in flavor and depth? Do you want to elevate your homemade salads to the next level? Look no further than this easy red wine vinaigrette recipe.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a dressing that will impress even the most discerning of palates. This recipe uses red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of sugar for balance. And to give it an added complexity and depth, we incorporate red wine into the mix.
The beauty of this vinaigrette is that it’s versatile enough to complement a wide range of salads. From mixed greens topped with fresh veggies to pasta salads filled with savory toppings, this dressing is perfect for all. It’s also a great marinade for meats or roasted vegetables.
So why settle for bland salads when you can easily whip up something spectacular with this red wine vinaigrette? Join me as I guide you through each step and provide tips and tricks for perfect results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a quick and easy red wine vinaigrette recipe? Look no further. This recipe is perfect for those who love the tangy, pungent flavor of red wine vinegar with a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re planning a salad or a marinade for your meats, this simple yet flavorful dressing will add new dimensions to your dishes.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is its versatility – use it as a salad dressing or dip, or as a marinade for your chicken or steak. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more or less sugar, mustard, or vinegar, depending on what you’re pairing it with. The dressing can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it convenient for busy workweeks.
Another reason to love this recipe is its minimal ingredient list. You only need five ingredients to make this vinaigrette: red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic cloves, sugar, and olive oil. You probably already have most of these items in your pantry right now.
Finally, homemade dressings are much healthier than store-bought ones which often contain preservatives and high amounts of sodium. Making your own dressing allows you to control the amount of salt and sugar in it, leading to healthier eating habits.
Overall, this easy red wine vinaigrette recipe needs to be added to your repertoire. Its versatility, simplicity and health benefits are some reasons why I am confident that it will become one of your go-to recipes too.
Ingredient List
To make the red wine vinaigrette you will need:
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
You can also experiment with other ingredients such as:
- adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a tangy twist
- substituting maple syrup with honey or brown sugar for a different sweetener option
- adding 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for an herbaceous flavor
- using Greek seasoning instead of oregano and salt pepper to jar the flavor of the dressing.
All ingredients are easily accessible at the grocery store, and this recipe makes enough vinaigrette to dress approximately four salads.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s how to make an easy red wine vinaigrette in just 5 minutes:
Step 1: Mix the dressing ingredients
In a small mixing bowl or mason jar, whisk together 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste, depending on how sweet you like your dressings.
Step 2: Add the seasoning
Next, add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the bowl. For an extra kick, you can also throw in some freshly ground black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Emulsify the ingredients
To emulsify the vinaigrette, whisk vigorously or shake the mason jar until all the ingredients are well-blended.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasonings as desired. If it’s too acidic, add more olive oil; if it’s too oily, add more vinegar.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Drizzle the red wine vinaigrette over your favorite salad greens or use it as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables. The tangy dressing adds a bold punch of flavor to any dish.
Substitutions and Variations
One reason I love this Red-Wine Vinaigrette recipe is because it’s incredibly versatile. You can substitute or add different ingredients to create a variety of flavors and textures.
First off, let’s talk about the oil. While I prefer extra virgin olive oil, you can use any type of oil that you like. Canola oil is a great neutral-tasting option, while avocado oil adds a slightly nutty flavor.
If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with other types of vinegar like white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Each will give the vinaigrette a unique flavor profile.
For those who are not a fan of Dijon mustard or want to switch things up, try using whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard instead. The mustard adds depth and tanginess to the vinaigrette.
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your vinaigrette, try adding minced garlic or dried herbs such as oregano or thyme. You can also add sweetness by incorporating maple syrup or honey.
For those who like a little bit of heat in their dressing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sriracha sauce to the mix. Or if you want a creamier texture, mix in some Greek Yogurt.
Whether you’re looking to switch things up with some bold flavors or to make do with the ingredients already in your pantry, there are plenty of ways to customize this Red-Wine Vinaigrette recipe to your liking. Have fun experimenting in your kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
This red wine vinaigrette is a perfect dressing to enliven any salad, and it pairs well with many dishes. The tangy flavor of the red wine vinegar helps brighten the taste of the greens, while the dijon mustard adds depth and complexity to the dressing. The garlic cloves also provide a subtle aromatic quality that complements the acidic notes of the red wine vinegar.
To pair this vinaigrette, think about dishes that are flavorful and colorful, such as roasted vegetables or grilled meat. The acidity of the dressing helps cut through rich or fatty flavors, so it works well with dishes like steak or salmon. For vegetarians, try using this dressing with mixed greens or arugula salads topped with roasted beets or a blend of nuts and dried fruits.
The red wine vinaigrette is also versatile enough to complement a variety of cuisines. It stands up well to bold, Mediterranean flavors like feta cheese, olives, or grilled eggplant. If you’re looking for an Asian fusion twist on this classic vinaigrette, try adding ginger or sesame oil to infuse some zingy flavors into your dressing.
Overall, all you need is some imagination when it comes to pairing this dressing with food. The possibilities are endless; however, I would suggest sticking with fresh greens and veggies to highlight the features of this easy homemade dressing.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Red Wine Vinaigrette can be easily stored and made ahead, making it the perfect item to have in your fridge for all those impromptu meals. Once prepared, it can be stored in a lidded jar or bottle for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
To reheat or remix, simply let it come to room temperature and give it a good shake; this will bring back its creamy consistency in no time. The dressing separates when stored, so tempering it first will give you a better idea of how much oil or vinegar you need to add.
If you’re considering making a bigger batch, feel free to double or triple the recipe, depending on your needs. This recipe makes about 1 ½ cups of dressing.
Just one word of caution: garlic grows more potent over time. So if you plan on storing the vinaigrette for longer periods, skip fresh garlic cloves and use garlic powder instead. It will prevent the dressing from becoming too garlicky over time.
One final tip: Use glass containers to store your vinaigrette as plastic containers can often pick up smells from other food items stored nearby, altering its flavor profile over time.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your red-wine vinaigrette comes out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Use high-quality ingredients: Since this recipe relies on only a handful of simple ingredients, it’s important to make sure they’re all top-notch. Use extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, and choose the best-quality red wine and red wine vinegar you can find.
2. Whisk continuously: To create an emulsion and prevent separation, make sure to whisk the ingredients together continuously while slowly streaming in the olive oil.
3. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to taste: Depending on your personal preference, you may want to adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts until you find the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
4. Let it chill: Give the vinaigrette time to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This will help meld the flavors together and create a more cohesive taste.
5. Add garlic for extra flavor: If you love garlic as much as I do, try adding a clove or two of minced garlic to the vinaigrette for some extra flavor depth.
Follow these tips, and your red-wine vinaigrette will be a delicious addition to any salad or vegetable dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the red-wine vinaigrette recipe is a versatile and easy-to-make dressing that you can use to add flavor to your salads and dishes. With its combination of red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, you’ll love the tangy yet slightly sweet taste it brings to your meals. Plus, this recipe offers many variations that you can try based on your preferences, including adding garlic or maple syrup.
This red-wine vinaigrette recipe is perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their salads or give their roasted vegetables an extra flavor boost. And because it only takes a few minutes to make, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need to prepare dinner quickly.
Furthermore, the ingredients in this recipe are healthy and full of nutrients. The olive oil provides healthy fats while the red wine vinegar has antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the body. So not only will this dressing make your food taste better, but it may also provide some health benefits.
Overall, I highly recommend trying this red-wine vinaigrette recipe if you’re looking for an easy-to-make and delicious dressing that will elevate any dish. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find your perfect combination. Once you see how much better your meals taste with this vinaigrette, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought dressings again!
Red-Wine Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together everything except olive oil.
- Slowly drizzle in oil, whisking until thickened.
- Add the garlic cloves, if desired, and let them flavor the vinaigrette overnight.
- Bring to room temperature before using.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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