Thursday, August 11, 2011

Salad Dressing Recipes

 I love to cook, and I love to make healthy things...in case you hadn't figured that out already.

Today, a patient, who is trying to avoid sugar, asked me what to do about salad dressings, since they have so much sugar.  I suggested making her own.  Years ago, my friend Diana made her own balsamic dill vinaigrette.  It inspired me to think differently about salad dressings and to have a little fun with the creative and very tasty process.  I have listed below some of my favorites.  So Ms. M., thank you for the inspiration to write down the following: 

Raspberry Rosemary Vinaigrette
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/2-2/3 c. white wine vinegar
1 c. raspberries (fresh or frozen), pureed in blender or food processor
2 T. fresh rosemary, chopped (can substitute with 1 -1½ T. dried rosemary)

White Wine Mustard Dill Vinaigrette
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
2/3 c. white wine vinegar
2 T. mustard
2 T. fresh dill (can substitute with 1 T. dried dill)

Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
2/3 c. balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic
2 T. fresh dill (can substitute with 1 T. dried dill)

Tarragon Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
2/3 c. balsamic vinegar
2½ T. fresh tarragon (can substitute with 1-1½ T. dried tarragon)

Parsley Rosemary Vinaigrette
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
2/3 c. balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic
2 T. fresh parsley, chopped
2 T. fresh dill (can substitute with 1 T. dried dill)
2 T. fresh rosemary, chopped (can substitute with 1 -1½ T. dried rosemary)

Parsley Basil Oil*
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
2 T. fresh parsley, chopped
2 T. fresh basil, chopped

*Can turn into a vinaigrette with adding 1/2-2/3 cup of favorite vinegar.

Please feel free to use your favorite vinegar(s) in these recipes for a different twist.  The same goes with the herbs.  This is definitely a license to be creative and let your taste buds sizzle.  

To your health and the enjoyment of delicious food…or as my 22 month-old niece likes to say, “Mmm mmm, delicioso.”  Enjoy!

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