Description
This California Salad Dressing is a light, fresh, and versatile vinaigrette featuring olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. It adds a bright and tangy flavor to salads with a hint of sweetness and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for California-style salads featuring avocado, greens, citrus, berries, nuts, or grilled chicken. This easy no-cook dressing can be whipped up in minutes and stored for up to a week.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or chives)
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Emulsify Dressing: Whisk the mixture vigorously or shake the jar tightly until the dressing is emulsified and well combined, achieving a smooth consistency.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the finely chopped fresh herbs to infuse fresh, aromatic flavor into the dressing.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed. If a thinner consistency is preferred, add a tablespoon of water and mix again to achieve the desired texture.
- Serve or Store: Serve the dressing immediately over your favorite California-style salad, or refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- This dressing complements salads that include avocado, fresh greens, citrus fruits, berries, nuts, or grilled chicken for a full California experience.
- For a creamier texture, blend in 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.
- Store the dressing in a sealed jar and shake before each use if separated.
- Maple syrup makes the dressing vegan while honey keeps a slightly richer taste.
