Name: Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Adapted from Emeril Lagasse | Emeril at the Grill | William Morrow, 2009

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

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Quick Glance
5 M
5 M
Makes 3/4 cup

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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

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.

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Recipe Testers' Reviews

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.

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