Spinach Salad Dressing Recipe

Olive oil: A rich and flavorful oil that forms the base of the dressing.

Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.

Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp and tangy taste, helping to emulsify the dressing.

Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dressing.

To ensure the dressing emulsifies properly, slowly drizzle the olive oil into the balsamic vinegar mixture while continuously whisking. This will help the ingredients blend smoothly and create a creamy texture.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in dressings.

• balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients, though it is less sweet than balsamic.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy flavor and texture, adding a bit more crunch to the dressing.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Minced shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, which can be a nice variation in dressings.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a similar sweetness and depth of flavor, making it a good alternative to honey.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dressing.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, offering a different flavor profile while still providing a peppery kick.

• To keep your spinach salad dressing fresh, transfer it to an airtight container or a mason jar. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent any air from getting in.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The dressing should stay fresh for up to one week.
• Before using, give the dressing a good shake or stir, as the ingredients may separate over time.
• If you wish to freeze the dressing, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, whisk or shake well to recombine the ingredients.
• Avoid freezing the dressing for more than three months to maintain its optimal flavor and texture.
• For a quick refresh, you can add a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar after thawing to enhance the taste.

• If you've stored your spinach salad dressing in the fridge and it's solidified a bit, the best way to bring it back to its luscious, pourable state is to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the olive oil to return to its liquid form naturally.

• For a quicker method, you can place the container of dressing in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. This gentle warming will help the olive oil and other ingredients to blend smoothly again without cooking them.

• If you're in a real hurry, you can microwave the dressing on a low power setting (about 20-30% power) for 10-15 seconds. Be sure to stir it well afterward to ensure the dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey are evenly mixed.

• Always give the dressing a good shake or whisk before using it again. This helps to re-emulsify the ingredients, ensuring that every drop is packed with flavor.

• If the dressing seems too thick after reheating, you can add a small splash of balsamic vinegar or olive oil to adjust the consistency to your liking.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and whisk the ingredients together.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.

• Measuring cups: Tools to accurately measure the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

• Measuring spoons: Tools to measure the dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper precisely.

• Garlic press: A tool to mince the garlic clove efficiently.

• Salad tongs: Utensils to toss the spinach salad evenly with the dressing.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Mince the garlic and measure out the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and honey ahead of time.

Use a jar for mixing: Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously instead of whisking.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch of the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Pre-wash spinach: Wash and dry the spinach in advance and store it in the fridge, ready to toss with the dressing.