Whenever a creamy salad dressing recipe tells me I don’t have to use mayonnaise, I’m in. This creamy vinaigrette calls for your choice of sour cream, plain yogurt or mayo. I used yogurt, which made a tangy dressing good for strong salad fixings, such as the radicchio in the second photo.
The vinaigrette’s oomph, though, comes from the mustard. I did try this with only butter lettuce too, and it overwhelmed the greens. In a case like that, I’d either reduce the mustard by at least 50% or just leave it out. I like a more vinegary dressing and used about 1 teaspoon more than the minimum and would do so with or without the mustard. I also left out the shallot.
This is adapted from Mark Bittman, whose only directions were for a blender. Vinaigrettes existed long before appliances and a whisk works perfectly. You could also use a fork or put the ingredients in a jar with a tight lid, such as a Mason jar, and shake it. With any of those options, the goal is to emulsify the oil and vinegar, so you’ll want to spend at least 30 seconds on mixing. If leftovers separate after storage, just re-whisk before using.
Creamy Vinaigrette
Adapted from Mark Bittman
1/3 cup/75 ml extra virgin olive oil
3 TB or more good white wine vinegar
3 TB sour cream, yogurt or mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small shallot cut into chunks (for blender method)
OR minced for other methods
Combine all ingredients except shallot in a blender, large measuring cup, bowl or jar. Blend or mix for at least 30 seconds until emulsified and creamy. Taste and add more vinegar a teaspoon or two at a time until it’s right for you.
Add shallot and mix well or pulse blender until the shallot is minced within the dressing. Adjust the seasoning and serve.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This sounds lovely! I have never been great at creamy salad dressings, instead preferring oily-vinegar ones – but with sour cream this could be lovely! I bet the yoghurt works well too, and could see that being delicious on a side salad with a curry perhaps.
Lauren´s last blog ..Pretty Things
Hi! It is lovely and I think your idea for curry is terrific, especially if the dressing is made thicker than I made it. Thanks for the suggestion and for stopping by!