What is a vinnigrette that is not sweet? I love balsamic but worried my guest will think it's sweet.
7 Comments
ChefJuneDecember 29, 2014
I agree balsamic is too swet for an effective salad dressing. I never use it for that. My go-to is fresh lemon juice. However I also like Sherry vinegar, Champagne vinegar, Red wine or white wine vinegar, Chinese brown rice wine vinegar, and they're all choices that will not impart a sweet taste to your vinaigrette.
Nancy H.December 29, 2014
True balsamic, the kind that comes in the distinctive little bottle and that's labeled aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena (or di Reggio--but we don't see much of that in the U.S.), the kind that costs a small fortune, is almost never used as a salad dressing and when it is, it's just a few drops. The other "aceto balsamico" is vinegar mixed with caramel and can be very sweet so I understand your concern. Why not use a good aged sherry vinegar instead? Or, as some have suggested, lemon juice. A ratio of 3 parts extra-virgin olive oil to 1 part acid will give best results so you can taste the luscious flavor of the oil, just offset by the lemon or vinegar.
luvcookbooksDecember 29, 2014
I like rice wine vinegar or sherry vinegar for a tossed salad.
amysarahDecember 28, 2014
For a simple vinaigrette, any vinegar can work, but I particularly like sherry vinegar. However if you want that distinctive balsamic flavor, but less sweetness, try using part balsamic, part red wine vinegar. I learned this from an Italian friend - he was actually surprised by the American use of straight balsamic in a vinaigrette, thought it too intense and overwhelming for the greens, etc.
Susan W.December 28, 2014
That's a great idea. Lately, I've grown tired of balsamic, but red wine vinegar didn't hit the spot, but I'm out of sherry vinegar. I never thought to mix balsamic and red wine vinegars.
kimhwDecember 28, 2014
My go to is lemon juice, Dijon, oil, salt, pepper and thyme. Shake.
Susan W.December 28, 2014
You can use any vinegar that you would like. Red or white wine vinegar or lemon juice are not at all sweet. I use one TBS of (insert your choice) vinegar or lemon juice, 1/2 TBS Dijon mustard, 3 TBS (insert your choice) oil, 1 clove minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Put it all into a jar and shake, shake, shake. You can add fresh herbs if you'd like.
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