ISO: Great, non-creamy Italian dressing recipe

[Gail]

Yeah, yeah. I know we've posted about a million salad dressings already. And maybe somewhere in that jumble I missed The One. Or maybe it hasn't made an appearance as of yet.

As I'm aging, I'm finding most bottled dressings gross me out and I'm really happier making my own, but I can't seem to find the Italian Dressing of my dreams.

My requirements are these:
--vinegar/oil base, NON-CREAMY
--much as I love balsamic vinegar, I'd prefer wine vinegar in this one
--lots of herbs and either Romano or Parmesan
--a bit on the piquant side
--one of those dressings you feel you need to sop up with your bread.

It need not be light-- in fact I almost doubt that it would be. Any takers??

[goldilocks]

gail, i have never made this, but it meets with your criteria. let me know if you try it:
1. In a jar with a lid, combine: 1/2 c. olive oil 2 T. red wine vinegar 1 T. lemon juice 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 t. dried basil 1/2 t. salt 1/4 t. crushed red pepper 2. Shake to mix well. 3. Refrigerate until serving time.

i am sure you could add some parm/romano/feta to this dressing.

[beejayw1]

That recipe is my basic Italian recipe, and it works very well. Here's my version:

1. In a one quart jar, pour in some olive oil. (You can use 2 parts olive and 1 part vegetable, if you wish)

2. Add 1/3 the amount of water

3. Add half the amount of vinegar (if you use a mild red wine vineger, you can add a little more, if you like)

4. Crush and finely mince 2 garlic cloves (or cheat and use a Tbsp of the bottled minced stuff)

5. Crush and finely mince 2 tsp fresh oregano and 1 tsp fresh basil (Or else cheat and use the dried stuff. If you do this, rub it between your hands to bring out the oils and flavor).

6. Add about 2 tsp salt

7. Add pepper to taste

8. If you have it, add a couple tsp juice from green olives

9. If you wish to thicken this, add a couple Tbsp freshly grated (I mean powdery) parmesan or romano cheese.

Shake well and let sit. You may wish to add more garlic (in powder form, if you wish) if you like a garlicky dressing.

NOTE: this makes a great marinade for chicken, too. Also, if you have luscious, lovely, fresh, ripe tomatoes and some mild onions, you can sprinkle this over them and have a wonderful summer tomato salad.

Diana

[sneezles]

Gail,
Let me know if you liked the one I emailed you!

[SandyM]

Hi Gail,

I pulled this several years ago from Bon Appetit, and we love it. I throw in some fresh grated Parmesano Reggiano into the finished product.

Hope you like it.

6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
Pinch of dried oregano

Combine all ingredients in small bowl and whisk to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Makes about 1/2 cup.


Bon Appétit
December 1992

[lorilei]

Gail -
This is a good (if not embarassingly basic) recipe that I've used and enjoyed. I always ad-lib the herbs, so feel free to play http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 T finely chopped onion
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp ground mustard (dry)
1 T fresh OR 1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T freshly grated asiago cheese

Combine all ingredients in a tightly covered container... and shake it baby.

[This message has been edited by lorilei (edited 05-07-2001).]

[schuh]

I'm a big fan of the Good Seasons packets. I tinker with various oils and vinegars. I add parmesan to the salad after I add salad dressing.

[browneye]

Gail: Here is one that I like alot, we use this one alot.

Italian Vinaigrette:

6 Tblsp red wine vinegar
2 Tblsp fresh lemon juice
1-2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 Tblsp Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup olive oil
2 Tblsp. fresh grated fine Parmesan.

Whisk first 7 ingredients together in a bowl, then gradually whisk in oil and Parmesan. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Ciao

[lanie]

Gail - I cannot get past the thought of store bought dressings (detest creamy dressings of any kind) AND I have I faithfully have gone back to this one that I found in Gourmet magazine I'll bet around 1970 - other than an herb or 2 - don't see much difference in Italian/Ceasar.

I now eyeball everything, but here is what the recipe is:

1/3 cup olive oil
2 Tbsps. fresh lemon juice (or less)
1/2 tsp. mustard powder (or a little more)
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar (I don't use this)
2 garlic cloves (I use my grater - stronger flavor)
1-2 tsp. worcestshire sauce
fresh cracked black pepper
salt to taste
(egg yolk - optional - I use most of the time but doesn't really make a 'huge' difference)

Put all of the above in wooden salad bowl, toss withromain or other mesculin mixes - and I probably grate about 2 - 3 (at least) Tbsp. of parmesan.

This always turns out and - just a great salad - OMHO.

Let me know if you try it!

Elaine http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by lanie (edited 05-07-2001).]

[This message has been edited by lanie (edited 05-07-2001).]

[GayeC]

My standard that I use for virtually all salads and as a marinade is:

1 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 c. red wine vinegar
2-4 garlic cloves, minced (depending on how
much you like garlic)
2-3 t. dried Italian seasoning

Shake it all up in a jar and allow it to "steep" for an hour or so. I usually double the recipe and just keep the leftovers in a pretty bottle on the counter, ready to go whenever we feel like having a salad. Gaye

[HDgirl]

I use Good Seasons...on their mixing jar..I put oil where it calls for water and water where it calls for oil. Makes it a lot lighter and tastes fine.

[Gail]

Thanks so much everyone (and those who e-mailed during our BB down time). These should keep me busy for a while! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif