MSG Free Shallot Vinaigrette
Bottled dressings are one of the sneakiest sources of hidden additives, and vinaigrettes are no exception — many contain flavor enhancers, preservatives, or yeast extracts that have no business being on a simple salad. This homemade version keeps things completely clean, built from whole ingredients you can see and pronounce. The shallot brings a gentle, savory depth that makes the dressing taste far more complex than its short ingredient list suggests, while apple cider vinegar adds brightness and raw honey rounds out the acidity with just a touch of natural sweetness. A pinch of ground ginger ties everything together with a subtle warmth that feels a little unexpected and completely welcome. Pouring the olive oil in slowly while whisking is the key move here — it creates a properly emulsified dressing that clings to greens instead of sliding right off. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll have a reliable, additive-free dressing ready to go all week long.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 medium shallot, minced
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the minced shallot, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and ground ginger in a small bowl. Stir briefly and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, until the shallot softens slightly and the salt dissolves.
- 2
Add the thyme leaves, if using. While whisking constantly, pour in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened, with no visible oil pooling on the surface.
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