Basic Vinaigrette

Serve any one of these variations over a bed of crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, sliced tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and voila! I like to fill a large bowl with ice water and soak my washed greens for a good hour or so before drying and breaking them into the salad bowl- your salad will be extra crispy.

makes 1 1/2 cups

1 small garlic clove, peeled and mashed
2 to 3 pinches of salt
1/3 to 1/2 cup red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1 shallot minced
1 tsp dijon mustard
ground pepper to taste

Add these things to a jar, or tupperware with a tight fitting lid and mix well.

Add 1 cup extra virgin olive oil and shake vigorously until smooth.

Lemon Caper
Make the above dressing with lemon juice and add
1 Tbsp drained, minced capers
1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp lemon zest

Black Pepper
Make the above dressing and add
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tsp cracked black peppercorns

Basil Chive
Make the above dressing and add
1/3 cup fresh basil, minced
1/3 cup fresh chives, minced

Fresh Herb
Make the above dressing and add
1/3 cup any fresh herb like thyme, parsley or dill

Horseradish
Make the above dressing and rather than red wine vinegar use
cider vinegar
1 Tbsp horseradish