Easy and elegant, Parmesan Vinaigrette is a good go-to for salads and grilling.
Basic homemade vinaigrette is a very simple recipe: usually some combo of white wine vinegar with a little lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt works for a quick, fresh dressing. An easy variation on this standby is Parmesan vinaigrette. Level up your vinaigrette game using easy pantry ingredients and enjoy the burst of flavor from the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Parmesan cheese, known for its slightly salty, nutty flavor and semi-dry texture, is a great choice for enhancing a basic vinaigrette. By grating your own (instead of buying the pre-grated type), you get maximum freshness and the best texture. The Parmesan cheese also adds a bit of creaminess to this dressing, which is a nice variation. And making your own salad dressing is always better than store-bought. It only takes a few minutes, and the payoff in taste and texture is definitely worth it.
You will love making and enjoying Parmesan vinaigrette. This is a recipe that delivers fresh, zesty flavor and a just-right texture. Toss it into your favorite salad, lightly drizzle it over an antipasto platter, or even use it as a marinade for grilled meats. Parmesan vinaigrette is versatile and a good recipe to have in your back pocket.
What exactly is white wine vinegar?
White wine vinegar is a ubiquitous ingredient in salad dressings and marinades. So what exactly is it? Why not just use regular distilled white vinegar? You use white wine vinegar in dressings and marinades to get a mildly acidic flavor and to thin out the oil. White wine vinegar is made from fermented white wine and has a fruity, less sharp flavor than distilled white vinegar (made from fermented grain alcohol). If you need a substitute for white wine vinegar, in a pinch, you can use rice vinegar or champagne vinegar.
How do I store leftovers?
You can keep leftover Parmesan vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Store it in a mason jar or other airtight container and shake before using to mix the ingredients, which will separate as they chill. You may need to set the refrigerated vinaigrette out on the counter for 15-20 minutes to allow it to mix more easily. Freezing leftover Parmesan vinaigrette is generally not recommended.
Serving suggestions
Parmesan vinaigrette is extremely versatile. It works well as a dressing for any number of green salads, especially when serving alongside traditional Italian food. For instance, use it as the dressing for a crisp, fresh House Salad. It is also wonderful drizzled on top of Grilled Romaine. Finally, try using Parmesan vinaigrette on grilled meats like chicken or pork; it can be a lovely marinade, or brush it on liberally after grilling for an extra burst of flavor. Try it brushed onto Grilled Chicken Drumsticks at the end of the grill time.
Parmesan Vinaigrette
Ingredients Â
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
InstructionsÂ
- Place the white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and honey in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
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