Oh, let me tell you about my love for this Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette! It’s truly a game changer in the kitchen. Just a drizzle over a fresh salad transforms it from ordinary to extraordinary. The vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes mixed with the tang of red wine vinegar create a symphony that dances on your taste buds. I whip this up whenever I have friends over, and it never fails to impress! One summer evening, I served it at a backyard barbecue, and everyone kept asking for the recipe. I love that it’s so simple to make yet adds such a flavorful twist to any dish. Whether you’re tossing it with greens or drizzling it over grilled veggies, this vinaigrette brings a taste of Italy right to your table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge at all times!

Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

To make this delightful Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette, you’ll need some key ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Start with 1/2 cup of olive oil, which adds richness and a smooth texture. Next, grab 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar for that delicious tang that wakes up your taste buds. You’ll also want 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes—these little gems are the stars of the show, bringing in their sweet, concentrated flavor. Don’t forget 1 minced garlic clove for that aromatic kick! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to balance everything out. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a vinaigrette that’s bursting with Italian flair!

How to Prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

Making this Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how quick it comes together! First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. The beauty of this recipe is that you can whisk everything in one go, so let’s get started!

Step 1: Whisk the Ingredients Together

Begin by pouring in the 1/2 cup of olive oil, followed by 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar. This combo forms the base of your vinaigrette. Next, add in the 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the 1 minced garlic clove. Then, sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Now, here’s the fun part—grab a whisk and mix it all together! You want to whisk until everything is well combined and the vinaigrette has a slightly thickened consistency. Don’t worry if the sun-dried tomatoes float a bit; they’ll soak up the flavors as it sits.

Step 2: Adjust Seasoning

Once you’ve whisked it to perfection, it’s time to taste! This is where you can really make it your own. If you find it needs a little more tang, add a splash more vinegar. Want it a touch sweeter? A pinch of sugar works wonders! Just remember, the balance of flavors is key—look for that beautiful harmony between the acidity of the vinegar and the richness of the olive oil. Once you’ve got it just right, serve it over your favorite salad or dish, and watch the magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: It takes just 10 minutes to whip up this vibrant vinaigrette, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a dressing that’s bursting with Italian flavor.
Versatile: Use it on salads, grilled veggies, or as a marinade for meats—this vinaigrette elevates any dish!
Healthy Choice: With olive oil as the base, it’s packed with heart-healthy fats and is free from preservatives.
Make Ahead: It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so you can always have a tasty dressing on hand!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette turns out perfect every time, here are a few handy tips! First, always use high-quality olive oil—it makes a noticeable difference in flavor. If you’re short on time, feel free to chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces to make the mixing easier, but don’t skip them; they’re the heart of this recipe! Also, don’t be shy about tasting as you go. Adjusting the seasoning to your liking is key, so keep a small spoon handy. Lastly, remember to shake or whisk the vinaigrette before serving, as the ingredients may separate as it sits. Enjoy the process!

Nutritional Information

It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so consider this information as a general guideline. Typically, a serving of this Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette (about 2 tablespoons) contains around 120 calories, with 2 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, and 14 grams of fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat. There’s no cholesterol, and it has about 230 milligrams of sodium. This vinaigrette is not just flavorful but also a healthier option, thanks to the heart-healthy olive oil it contains!

Storage Instructions

Storing your Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette is super simple! Just transfer any leftover vinaigrette into an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. I always make a point to label my jars with the date, so I know exactly when I made it. If you find the flavors have mellowed after a few days, just give it a good shake or whisk to revitalize that vibrant taste. Feel free to use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or veggies too—it’s a fantastic way to repurpose any leftovers!

FAQ About Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
While fresh tomatoes can add a nice flavor, they won’t provide the same concentrated taste that sun-dried tomatoes offer. If you want to experiment, try adding a bit of tomato paste to mimic that depth!

Q2: How long does this vinaigrette last?
This Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to give it a good shake before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Q3: What dishes pair well with this vinaigrette?
This vinaigrette is incredibly versatile! It’s perfect over salads, drizzled on grilled veggies, or even as a marinade for meats. You really can’t go wrong!

Q4: Can I make this vinaigrette vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly since it contains no animal products. Enjoy it guilt-free!

Q5: What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as great substitutes, each adding its own unique twist to the flavor!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Ratatouille French Vegetable Stew Recipe or Protein Chickpea Pasta Salad. You can also find us on Pinterest for more inspiration!