If you’re on the hunt for a dressing that’s bursting with bold flavors yet smooth enough to marry perfectly with your greens, this Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine a tangy, garlicky, and cheesy blend that’s quick to whip up but delivers that luxurious zing and richness to every bite. It’s the kind of vinaigrette that transforms even the simplest salad into a delightful experience, with just the right balance of savory depth and brightness. Once you try this Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever dressed your greens without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in delivering layers of flavor and a luscious texture. From the fresh tang of white vinegar to the silky richness of extra virgin olive oil, every element is essential to creating that perfect balance.
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base that ties the dressing together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Brings a salty, cheesy depth that makes this vinaigrette irresistible.
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped: Infuses the dressing with a mellow but unmistakable garlicky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend adding complexity and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes: Delivers just a whisper of heat to keep things interesting.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Offers subtle spice and depth.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of sweetness that rounds out the tangy and savory notes perfectly.
How to Make Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and add them into a small food processor or blender. This step sets the stage for blending those distinct flavors into a smooth harmony.
Step 2: Blend Until Emulsified
Blend everything until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. You’ll see it thicken slightly, and that’s your signal that the oil and vinegar are perfectly married with the parmesan and seasonings to create a creamy texture without cream.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Give your vinaigrette a little taste test. This is the time to tweak—add a pinch more salt, black pepper, or those red pepper flakes if you want a stronger kick. The beauty of this Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe is how flexible it is to your personal palate.
Step 4: No Food Processor? No Problem!
If a blender isn’t handy, you can whisk the dressing vigorously in a bowl or shake it up like a pro in a mason jar until all the ingredients combine. Both methods work beautifully and still deliver that creamy, coating texture.
How to Serve Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan right on top of your dressed salad to echo the flavor and add a lovely nutty finish. Fresh cracked black pepper and a scattering of red pepper flakes also make great visual and taste accents.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe is superb drizzled over roasted vegetables or grilled chicken, making it a versatile companion to any meal. It even brightens steamed broccoli or asparagus for an easy side that feels gourmet.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tossing the dressing with a pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil for a rustic Italian vibe. Or drizzle it over avocado slices and cherry tomatoes for a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s bound to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe in a sealed glass jar or container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to one week, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its vibrant flavors.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this vinaigrette because the texture can separate upon thawing. Fresh is best for maintaining that perfect smoothness and emulsification.
Reheating
No reheating necessary! Simply give the dressing a good shake or stir before serving if it has been chilled. Room temperature helps the flavors shine even brighter.
FAQs
Can I use grated Parmesan cheese from a jar?
While pre-grated Parmesan can work in a pinch, freshly grated cheese really makes a difference in this Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe. It melts better and delivers a richer, fresher flavor that elevates the entire dressing.
Is this vinaigrette suitable for vegans?
This recipe includes Parmesan cheese, which is made from animal rennet, so it is not vegan. However, using a vegan Parmesan alternative can make it suitable for a plant-based diet.
Can I make this vinaigrette without garlic?
Garlic is key to the flavor profile here, but if you’re sensitive to it, you could omit or reduce it. Keep in mind the vinaigrette will lose some of its signature punch, but still be tasty.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for about one week. Always give it a stir or shake before using.
Can I use a different vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Absolutely! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be great substitutes that add their own unique acidity and flavor nuances. Just adjust the amount slightly to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a homemade dressing that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in minutes, and this Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe checks every box. Whether you’re dressing up a simple garden salad or adding a flavorful punch to your favorite veggies, it’s a versatile and delicious staple to have on hand. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how it elevates your meals!
Print
Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup dressing
- Category: Dressings
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Vinaigrette is a perfectly balanced dressing combining tangy white vinegar, rich Parmesan cheese, zesty garlic, and Italian herbs. It creates a smooth, flavorful dressing that is ideal for a variety of salads, lending a cheesy and slightly spicy kick to your greens.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place white vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, roughly chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and honey into a small food processor or blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified, ensuring the oil and vinegar combine evenly with the cheese and seasonings.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning as desired by adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
- Alternative Mixing Method: If you do not have a food processor or blender, you can alternatively whisk all ingredients vigorously in a small bowl or shake them together in a mason jar until well combined and emulsified.
- Serve: Serve the vinaigrette chilled or at room temperature over your favorite salads for a delicious, tangy, and cheesy dressing experience.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Italian seasoning can be substituted with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Store any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; shake well before each use.
- This dressing can also be used as a marinade for chicken or vegetables.
