Tag: salad dressing

Fresh Basil Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Basil Salad Dressing
Fresh Basil Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Fresh Basil Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Fresh Basil Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

I was in my kitchen enjoying the aroma of the fresh basil plant that a friend had given me. I knew that I had to use it in tonight’s meal. I quickly imagined it with greens, and since I love simplicity, I decided on 2 standbys, olive oil and lemon juice. What a wonderful dressing it made. The basil flavor was distinctive, but not overpowering. I simply drizzled it on top of some fresh greens, red peppers and bleu cheese. Perfect!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
  • 2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a blender or food processor, mix together the basil leaves, garlic, salt and pepper. Add lemon juice, then slowly add the olive oil while blending.

Nani’s Version of Smokin’ Jeff’s Coleslaw

Cole Slaw
Cole Slaw
I made a variation of a coleslaw recipe that I got from a favorite website of mine, Smoking-meat.com. It was my son-in-law’s birthday and the main dish was smoked pork sandwiches. I was asked to bring the coleslaw and I revised the recipe that I found on the Smoking Meats website. It received 2 thumbs up from the crowd and now has become another of my favorite recipes. Try pulled pork and coleslaw on a bun. Scrumptious!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup white vinegar
  • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
  • 1 Tablespoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large head of cabbage, sliced thin
  • 1 green pepper, chopped or julienne
  • 1 red pepper, chopped or julienne
  • 1 red onion, sliced thin
  • 2 carrots, julienne
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt

Directions
Place the vinegars, sugar, mustard powder, 1 Tablespoon celery salt, and pepper in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over low hear, simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Mix the vegetables and 1 teaspoon celery salt in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and the cooled dressing. Mix well.

Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

As stated in an earlier post, I prefer homemade salad dressings over store bought dressings. Not only are they easy, but they are inexpensive, too. Here is one of my favorite recipes for a vinaigrette. It is not only good on a salad of fresh greens, but also on potato salad or a vegetable salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground pepper

Directions
Mix all ingredients together and blend well.

Balsamic Vinaigrette from Creede Hotel

Salad
Salad
I am vacationing in a cabin in Colorado. Today I went to the grocery store to buy food. I decided to make grilled chicken on salad greens for dinner. I always make my own salad dressings, but opted to buy bottled dressing instead of buying all the necessary ingredients to make my own. I prefer an oil and vinegar dressing, so I bought a bottle of Balsamic Vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil. I can’t believe that they bottle this stuff. The first ingredient listed was………….water, then vinegar, then olive oil, followed by soybean oil and corn oil!
I decided to share my favorite vinaigrette recipe that I got from the Creede Hotel in Creede, Colorado. It is really my favorite and is so easy to make. Just remember to always use good quality oil and vinegar.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (o.k., I do use bottled lemon juice sometimes)
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey
  • 1 Teaspoon Minced Fresh Garlic

Directions

Mix all ingredients and serve over fresh greens.

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