Simple Vinaigrette

Simple Vinaigrette

There's nothing like a simple salad these days...whether it be in the height of the heat in the summer time, or on a cold, cold day...Salads are the new big thing in bowls everywhere.

I love salads, they're like Junior Mints: Very Refreshing!

You can put just about anything in a salad these days, from fruit, cheeses, nuts, and even vegetables...Salads are the new table staple. I love a Big Salad. And Elaine, too.

Anyone that knows me knows that I'm truly a Saucier deep down, as my passion for food roots from that of marinades, dressings, sauces, gravies...pretty much anything that edible in a liquid form.

Here's a quick and easy basic Vinaigrette recipe that covers all bases and works with all types generic or complicated recipes.

You'll need:

2 Shallots (Onion/Garlic family-maaad flavour)

2 Garlic Cloves

1 heaping spoonful Dijon or Grain Mustard

1/3 cup good vinegar- Balsamic, red wine, grape, anything you can find or even lemon/lime juice

1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Mince/chop garlic and shallots finely, or even in a food processor. Add to mustard, and whisk in Vinegar or lemon/lime juice, salt and pepper.

Drizzle in Olive Oil slowly and combine. You can also add all these ingredients to a jar and give it a good mix up.

Voila.

Tip: Toss your salad with a little bit of the vinaigrette before serving, instead of just drizzling it on top. Use a large bowl and some tongs or two salad forks. Get the dressing in all the crevices of each individual lettuce leaf for full effect.

Once you've established this dressing, the salad is your oyster.?. I mean, there are many more possibilities to make this dressing into something special. These ingredients are the base for any amazing dressing. So Soup It Up!

For some very nice variations, add some: Strong flavours: fresh grated ginger/roasted garlic puree/Fresh cheese: Feta, Asiago, Crumbled Goat Cheese/ fresh herbs such as thyme, mint, coriander, parsley/ Fresh fruit juice or pulp: Orange pulp, pureed pear or apple, any berry jam...

This is just a start. Use flavours you like and I guarantee it will turn out amazing. Keep it fresh, keep it simple. You can't go wrong.