How do you make balsamic salad dressing?!
Answers: Depends on your preference and taste. Play with it however you wish. Classically in French cooking, the ratio of oil to vinegar is 3:1 in any oil and vinegar dressing. However, if you prefer a tart dressing you can drop the ratio to 2:1 which is what I like. You want a light dressing or a heavy? A light dressing is made with oil, vinegar, and seasonings of salt, pepper, shallots, etc. Be sure you shake or whisk the dressing vigorously before service so you can temporarily combine the oil and the vinegar, if you don't you end up with some bites being oily and some being very sour. If you are looking for a heavier dressing, this is done by emulsifying the oil and vinegar, which is saying combining the two so they don't separate. This is done many ways, the easiest is a little bit of dijon mustard, like a tablespoon. This causes a chemical reaction to the oil and vinegar and binds them. Then you season the dressing the same way. Play with it and figure out your own flavors but just follow these guidelines. Also, rule of thumb when making any dressing at home that is olive oil based, add the oil last in a slow steady stream. Get your vinegar and seasonings right to where you want it and add in your oil. If you add the oil too early or too fast, you wont get your dressing to emuslify and you end up with your vinegar at the bottom and your oil on top. Have fun.
Balsamic Vinegar Salad Dressing
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
3 to 4 garlic cloves, mashed to pulp with 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well blended. Store unused portion in covered container in refrigerator.
Makes 3/4 cup.
There are many variations, but the one main feature is balsamic vinegar. That, plus olive oil, plus salt, pepper and tarragon are my personal favorite balsamic dressing.
BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
1 1/4 c. olive oil
1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
3 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
8 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk together vinegar, garlic and grated cheese. Gradually add the olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
1. Mix all ingredients EXCEPT oil together.
2. Add oil to mixture and mix well with whisk or late frother.
This is how I make mine....
Herb & Balsamic Dressing
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
A good pinch of salt & pepper