Best 2 Light And Fresh Dressing Recipes

Light Italian Dressing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 10m

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 medium tomato, halved
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
Pinch of sugar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small clove garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Rub the cut sides of the tomato along the coarse holes of a grater into a bowl; discard the skins.
Whisk in 1/4 cup water, the vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, sugar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste.

Basic Vinaigrette Dressing With 8 Variations image

Provided by 3KillerBs

Time 15m

Yield 1/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 34

3 tablespoons oil (I prefer extra-virgin olive oil)
2 tablespoons vinegar (white, cider, wine, ..., not balsamic)
salt
black pepper (I prefer fresh-ground)
basic vinaigrette (use EVOO and red wine vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
basic vinaigrette (use canola or corn oil and cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon crumbled bacon
1/2 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 pinch celery seed (optional)
1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard (optional)
1 -3 teaspoon brown sugar or 1 -3 teaspoon another sweetener, to taste
italian vinaigrette
1 teaspoon prepared mustard (I recommend Dijon or spicy brown)
1 -3 teaspoon honey (optional) or 1 -3 teaspoon another sweetener, to taste (optional)
basic vinaigrette
2 -3 tablespoons sour cream or 2 -3 tablespoons plain yogurt
basic creamy vinaigrette dressing
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
basic creamy vinaigrette dressing
1 garlic clove, put through press
fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch italian seasoning (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil (I prefer extra-virgin)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons oil (I prefer extra-virgin olive oil)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pinch italian seasoning (optional)

Steps:

Shake all ingredients for your chosen variation together in a tightly-lidded container OR whisk together in a small bowl.
Let stand 10 minutes to rehydrate dried herbs and blend flavors.
Shake again then dress salad as desired.
Note -- I recommend the lemon dressing on spinach.
Note -- I recommend the Bacon Dressing, Mustard Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette on strong greens such as escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.
Note -- The sweeter version of the mustard dressing is great for a vinegar coleslaw if you discover that you have accidentally gotten one of those occasional cabbages that are a touch on the bitter side.
Note -- feel free to play with other seasonings, more complex blends, flavored oils, and flavored vinegars. Once you've learned the technique you can customize your salad dressing to suit just about any meal.