Whisking up a salad dressing from scratch is a tasty and easy way to showcase this summer’s produce.   One of the benefits of making your own dressing means you can punch up flavor with your favorite seasonings.  This Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is simple but it is the perfect compliment to many summer salads.  DIY salad dressing also provides much healthier options than pre-made salad dressings.

One salad that pairs well with this dressing is tomatoes, olives, spinach and a few leaves of basil for a Mediterranean flavor.

Another yummy idea is to pair the Balsamic Vinaigrette with arugula, tomatoes and put it over avocado toast.

This dressing is great with tomatoes and to punch up the flavor add Parmesan or goat cheese. You also try a combo of strawberries and goat cheese. The key is to mix acidic and sweet flavors.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. good quality balsamic vinegar. This ingredient carries the recipe so you should use a high quality.   Look for one that is thick and less watery for the best flavor.

Dash of salt.

¼ Tsp black pepper. Make adjustments for your taste.

¼ Tsp. brown sugar

¼ Tsp. Dijon Mustard
Optional: fresh diced garlic.  Adding fresh garlic really adds to the flavor!! No need to be shy — toss in as much as you like.

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a small bowl and stir vigorously until it becomes a thick mixture. The oil and vinegar should not be separated. Serve over a summer salad.  Enjoy!

Serves 4

For some additional summer salad dressings visit these sites for some great recipes!

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/five-salad-dressings-make-summer

https://www.babble.com/babble-voices/13-salad-dressing-recipes-for-your-summer-salad/

 

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