Spinach Salad Dressing

Spinach Salad Dressing Recipe from France - Red Wine Vinegar, Tarragon, Dijon Mustard, Peanut Oil, Salt

Region / culture: France | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spinach salad dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to any salad. This tangy and slightly sweet dressing pairs perfectly with fresh spinach leaves and a variety of toppings.

History

Spinach salad dressing has been a popular choice for salads for many years. The combination of red wine vinegar, tarragon, and dijon mustard creates a unique and delicious flavor that enhances the taste of fresh spinach.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of red wine vinegar
a dash of tarragon
1 tbsp of dijon mustard
2 cups of peanut oil
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Bring the vinegar and tarragon to a boil.
Allow it to cool.
Blend the mustard with the cooled vinegar and tarragon mixture in a deep bowl.
Stir well.
Gradually add the oil, beating constantly until well mixed.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Variations

For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the mixture. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making spinach salad dressing, be sure to gradually add the oil while beating constantly to ensure a smooth and well-mixed dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper for the perfect balance of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spinach salad dressing over a bed of fresh spinach leaves with sliced strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese for a delicious and nutritious salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the vinegar and tarragon to infuse the flavors before blending with the mustard and oil for a well-mixed dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have peanut oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This spinach salad dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to shake or stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Drizzle the spinach salad dressing over the salad just before serving for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve the dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.

Pairing Recommendations

This spinach salad dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, including mixed greens, arugula, and kale. It also complements grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow the dressing to come to room temperature before serving and shake or stir well before using.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 1g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 0g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This spinach salad dressing is a good source of vitamin E and vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains mustard and peanuts.

Summary

This spinach salad dressing is a flavorful and nutritious addition to any salad, providing a good source of healthy fats and vitamins.

Summary

Spinach salad dressing is a flavorful and nutritious addition to any salad, providing a good source of healthy fats and vitamins. With a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, this dressing is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Spinach Salad Dressing. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1965, and I had just finished up a long day of work in the kitchen at a local restaurant. As I was cleaning up, I noticed a small, tattered notebook tucked away in one of the drawers. Curious, I opened it up and found a handwritten recipe for a dressing that caught my eye.

The recipe called for simple ingredients like vinegar, sugar, mustard, and oil, but it also had a unique twist - the addition of fresh herbs like basil and dill. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try and whipped up a batch right then and there. To my surprise, it was absolutely delicious - tangy, slightly sweet, and bursting with fresh flavors.

I knew right away that this dressing would be perfect for a spinach salad, so I quickly grabbed a bunch of fresh spinach from the fridge and tossed it together with some sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. The result was a vibrant and flavorful salad that I couldn't get enough of.

From that day on, I made sure to always have a jar of this spinach salad dressing on hand. It became a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Everyone raved about it and begged me for the recipe, but I kept it a closely guarded secret, only sharing it with those who I knew would appreciate it as much as I did.

Over the years, I continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and vinegars to create the perfect balance of flavors. Each batch was a labor of love, made with care and attention to detail. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone always looked forward to whenever I hosted a meal.

As time went on, I learned that the recipe for this spinach salad dressing had been passed down through generations in my family. It was originally created by my great-grandmother, a talented cook and avid gardener who took pride in using fresh, seasonal ingredients in her dishes. She had learned it from her own mother, who had picked it up from a friend during a trip to Europe in the early 1900s.

I was thrilled to discover this connection to my past and felt a deep sense of pride knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been cherished by my ancestors for decades. It made the dressing even more special to me, and I made sure to honor that legacy every time I made a fresh batch.

As the years went by, my grandchildren grew up watching me make this spinach salad dressing, and they developed a love for it as well. They would help me measure out the ingredients, whisk them together, and taste-test the final product. It became a bonding experience for us, a way to connect over a shared love of good food and family traditions.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on all the memories and moments that this recipe has brought into my life, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the simple pleasures of a homemade meal shared with loved ones, gratitude for the joy of creating something delicious from scratch, and gratitude for the legacy of cooking and tradition that has been passed down through my family for generations.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making this spinach salad dressing, sharing it with their own families and friends, and creating new memories and moments of their own. And I hope that it brings them as much joy and fulfillment as it has brought me over the years.