Some of you may feel that a simple balsamic vinaigrette doesn’t merit an actual recipe, given that the typical proportion for anything drizzled over salad greens is the very easy-to-remember three parts oil to one part vinegar. So we consider this less a recipe than a reminder that everything in cooking is not always so regimented. This approach amps up the amount of vinegar to epic proportions—and to great effect. It’s not necessarily a go-to for everyday salads—although it certainly could be. Instead try it when you want to lend a little balsamic vinaigrette-minded oomph to a stacked sandwich or a robust salad, especially one containing radicchio or another sturdy, bitter chicory. And if you find yourself rethinking your classic vinaigrette-making technique, well, so be it.–Renee Schettler Rossi
LC One Lump or Two? Note
As you’re clearly aware, sugar isn’t essential to all vinaigrettes. Yet sometimes just a wee pinch serves not to noticeably sweeten a certain thing, but rather soften the edge of something that could otherwise be a little overly acerbic. Like this vinaigrette.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- 1. To make the balsamic vinaigrette, whisk the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and garlic together in a small bowl. Season to taste with kosher salt and pepper.
Hungry for more? Chow down on these:
- Pecan Garlic Salad Dressing from Food Renegade
- Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette from Sarah's Cucina Bella
- Momofuku's Octo Vinaigrette from Leite's Culinaria
- Greek Marinade from Leite's Culinaria
Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe © 2009 Emeril Lagasse. Photo © 2009 Steven Freeman. All rights reserved.
[Joan Osborne] This is an excellent dressing for the grilled veggie sandwich, but it also tastes great on salads. I used some of the leftovers in a pasta salad, and it gave the salad a great flavor. I’ll be making this one again. It’s simple with just four ingredients — olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic — but it packs a nice punch.