Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette

Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Recipe: A Flavorful and Healthy Dressing

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette is a flavorful and versatile dressing that can be used on salads, pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and more. It adds a burst of Mediterranean flavors to any dish and is easy to make at home.

History

The origins of Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette can be traced back to Mediterranean cuisine, where sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbs are commonly used in cooking. This vinaigrette combines these traditional ingredients with olive oil and vinegar to create a tangy and savory dressing.

Ingredients

2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
0.75 cup sherry vinegar
0.5 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
0.5 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
0.25 cup pitted and chopped niçoise olives
0.25 cup honey
3 tbsp drained chopped capers
2 tbsp minced shallot
2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
1.5 tbsp chopped mint leaves
1 tbsp chopped basil leaves
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp grated orange zest
salt
freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
Using a wire whisk, briefly whisk the ingredients together, then taste and, if needed, adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate until ready to use.

Variations

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweeter and more complex flavor.
Mix in some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
Substitute the olives with roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

- Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.

- Feel free to customize the vinaigrette by adding other herbs or spices, such as oregano or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette over a mixed green salad with grilled chicken or shrimp, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of sherry vinegar.

- Substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs if needed, but reduce the amount by half.

Make Ahead Tips

The Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the vinaigrette in a small pitcher or jar for a rustic and elegant presentation. Drizzle it over the dish just before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This vinaigrette pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, pasta salads, and roasted vegetables. It also complements Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before using, and give it a good shake or stir to recombine the ingredients.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 210 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 4% of the daily recommended value per serving

Iron: 2% of the daily recommended value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Tree nuts (olives)

Summary

This Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette is a flavorful dressing that is relatively low in carbohydrates and protein, but high in healthy fats. It also provides a small amount of vitamin C and iron.

Summary

Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette is a delicious and versatile dressing that adds a burst of Mediterranean flavors to any dish. With a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, herbs, and vinegar, this vinaigrette is easy to make and perfect for salads, pasta dishes, and more. Enjoy the tangy and savory flavors of this homemade dressing!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining brightly in the sky, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette. I had never heard of such a thing before, but something about it intrigued me.

I remembered my grandmother telling me stories about how she learned to cook from her own mother, who had passed down recipes through the generations. I felt a connection to her in that moment, a sense of pride in carrying on the tradition of cooking and preserving these recipes.

I decided to give the Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette a try. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs. As I mixed them together in a bowl, the aroma of the tomatoes and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I drizzled the vinaigrette over a fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a burst of tangy sweetness that danced on my taste buds. I knew then that this recipe was something special, something worth sharing with others.

Over the years, I continued to make the Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. It became a staple in my repertoire, a recipe that always garnered compliments and requests for seconds.

I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who in turn shared it with their own friends and family. It became a beloved favorite among all who tried it, a dish that brought people together and created lasting memories.

As the years went by, I learned to tweak the recipe to suit my own tastes. I added a touch of honey for sweetness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Each variation brought a new depth of flavor to the vinaigrette, making it even more irresistible.

I always made sure to use the best quality ingredients – sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs from my garden. I believed that the secret to a great dish lay in the quality of the ingredients used, and I took pride in sourcing the best of the best.

The Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette became not just a recipe, but a symbol of my love for cooking and sharing meals with others. It represented the joy and satisfaction I found in creating something delicious from simple, wholesome ingredients.

As I look back on that day when I first discovered the recipe, I am grateful for the journey it has taken me on. It has allowed me to connect with my past, to create new memories with loved ones, and to share a piece of myself through the food I prepare.

I hope that this story inspires others to seek out their own family recipes, to experiment in the kitchen, and to savor the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body – it is about feeding the soul, creating connections, and preserving traditions for generations to come. And for me, the Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette will always be a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that can be found in a humble bowl of salad dressing.