| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 360 | 40g | 6g | 4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 0g | 0g | 0.01g |
You’d think that someone with Creole roots, a deep love for Louisiana all swirled in with dashes of French flair wouldn’t be passionate about something as lightweight as a vinaigrette. After all, I’m more often than not elbow-deep in dough, baking the likes of beignets and éclairs. Yet here I am, about to gush about my Yerba Buena Vinaigrette for Salads. Sometimes the simplest of recipes end up stealing your heart and that’s what my Yerba Buena vinaigrette has done. It is the dressing that brings my salads to life, that adds a zing to every leaf and a pep to every bite. The lush, full flavors of the Yerba Buena, the tangy zing of the lemon, and the smooth swirl of the olive oil all come together to create an explosion of flavor that is simply irresistible.
The Beauty of Simplicity
A good salad dressing can elevate any dish, and the Yerba Buena Vinaigrette is my secret weapon. It’s complex enough to add an exquisite depth of flavor to any salad, yet simple enough to whip up in minutes. Its similarity to some classic dressings such as the French vinaigrette is undeniable. However, thanks to the unexpected addition of Yerba Buena, it outscores its competitors by a long shot, creating an experience that is wholly unique and deliciously satisfying.
Taste Meets Health
What makes this vinaigrette even more appealing are the bundles of health benefits it brings along. Packed with a citrusy zest of lemons, known for their immunity-boosting properties, and olive oil, famous for heart health, it’s a booster shot of wellness. The Yerba Buena in there is far from just being a namesake – it’s a powerhouse herb known to aid in digestion, reduce inflammation, and more.
The addition of honey to this vinaigrette brings a balance to the tanginess while acting as a natural energy resource rich in antioxidants and helping with cholesterol regulation. It’s no ordinary dressing, it’s a step toward mindful eating, a nod towards respecting our bodies as much as our taste buds, and I hope it brings you as much joy and nourishment as it does to me.
So, whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a lavish dinner party, let my Yerba Buena Vinaigrette for Salads be your go-to. Pair it with a classic Caesar or give it a twist with a grilled peach and brie salad, it wouldn’t disappoint. Here’s to adding zing to your meals with the most comforting simplicity and a lot of goodness for your health!
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup of fresh Yerba Buena (mint) leaves
- 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by gathering the Yerba Buena leaves. If you’ve grown your own or bought fresh from the market, ensure they are thoroughly washed and patted dry before using.
Step Two
Next, take the clean Yerba Buena leaves and place them into a blender or food processor. Add the white wine vinegar into the blender with the leaves.
Step Three
Blend the leaves and vinegar together until the leaves are finely chopped and mixed with the vinegar. The mixture doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth but make sure that there are no large pieces of leaves left.
Step Four
With the blender running on a low speed, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Make sure you pour the oil in a slow, steady stream to ensure that it emulsifies with the vinegar and mint leaves. This will help to thicken the vinaigrette and prevent it from separating.
Step Five
After pouring in the olive oil, add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon, along with a tablespoon of honey. The lemon zest and juice will add a burst of citrus flavor while the honey will balance out the tanginess of the lemon and vinegar.
Step Six
Blend all the ingredients together once more until everything is well combined. At this point, taste the vinaigrette and adjust the flavors as needed using salt and pepper.
Step Seven
Your Yerba Buena Vinaigrette is now ready to be used on any of your favorite salads. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week, shaking well before each use.
