Homemade Balsamic Dressing Recipe
A half a cup of balsamic vinaigrette whirled up in a blender for a few seconds gives you a tangy, creamy dressing that's more than just your average salad opener. But did you know you can breathe new life into the leftovers? If you've ever been curious about using your vinaigrette for something beyond dressing your greens, this article is for you.
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Preparedness Level: Piece of cake
- Preparation Time: A mere 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 smashed garlic clove
- 2 teaspoons packed dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped marjoram leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Pulse all the tasty components in a blender until smoothly combined. Stash your delightful dressing in a container with an airtight lid and keep it refrigerated for up to three days.
Marrying Your Leftovers: A Marinade Adventure
Repurposing your leftover balsamic vinaigrette for marinating meat or vegetables is a truly delectable idea, though it does require delicate accommodation to make it marinade-worthy. Here are some insider tips to ensure the best results.
For Meaty Marvels
- Vinaigrette Transformation: Begin with your leftover balsamic vinaigrette and aim for half a cup of marinade per pound of protein. Extra virgin olive oil can help counterbalance the acidity and tenderize your meat morsels.
- Spice Up Your Life: Your taste buds will thank you for the inclusion of Italian seasoning, a dab of minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Marination Mambo: Pop the meat in a sealed bag with the newly crafted marinade, seal it up, and gently massage the bag to ensure everything's well-coated. Refrigerate for 4-24 hours before firing up the grill or sauté pan.
For Rooty Roots
- Acid Taming: Balsamic vinagrette can be on the tart side, so consider diluting it slightly with a bit of water or olive oil to prevent overpowering delicate vegetables.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate various herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano and season with salt and pepper to tantalize your taste buds.
- Marination Methods: While brushing veggies with marinade after cooking might be the better option, you can marinate them before, too. Make it a 30-minute to an hour soiree before throwing them on the grill or roasting them in the oven. Drizzle with the modified marinade upon finishing for an extra burst of flavor.
Bonus Marinade Tips
- Acid Balance: Mind the acidity level in your marinade, as too much can cause meats to become overly tender or even mushy if left to soak for too long.
- Freezer Friendly: If you're not using the marinade right away, consider tucking it away in the freezer for future use.
Simplify Your Marinade Game
To make the most of your leftover balsamic vinaigrette, create a versatile marinade for your protein and vegetable creations by following this nifty recipe:
Simple Balsamic Marinade
Ingredients
- Balsamic Vinaigrette (Adjusted to your needs): Keep in mind the amount based on the quantity of protein or vegetables you plan to marinate (about 1/2 cup for 1 lb).
- Olive Oil: Balance the acidity and achieve your desired consistency by adding a dash of oil as needed.
- Italian Seasoning: Around 1 teaspoon.
- Garlic: Minced or powder, approximately 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Instructions
Whisk all the ingredients together. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Use your masterful marinade to create a culinary explosion with your favorite dishes[1][2][3][4].
- For a new twist on leftover balsamic vinaigrette, try using it as a marinade for vegetables. Dilute it slightly with water or olive oil to prevent overpowering delicate vegetables.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your balsamic vinaigrette for marinating meat or vegetables to enhance the flavor.
- To create a versatile marinade for your protein and vegetable creations, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking and use it to marinate your dishes for added flavor.
