Description
This creamy Italian dressing with pink peppercorn speckles adds a delightful visual pop and unique peppery aroma to salads, transforming everyday greens into something special. It offers a healthier, tastier, and endlessly versatile homemade option for family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cup white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, or low-sodium
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano, or 1 Tbsp fresh finely chopped
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp pink peppercorns, freshly crushed
- 0.25 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Set out all ingredients on your counter to ensure a smooth process.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Combine the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl or high-speed blender.
- Emulsify with Oil: Gradually stream in the olive oil in a slow, steady drizzle while whisking vigorously or blending on low speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes opaque and creamy. Continue whisking if it looks thin or separated.
- Incorporate Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or Greek yogurt until fully incorporated and the dressing is smooth.
- Add Peppercorns and Rest: Gently fold in the freshly crushed pink peppercorns. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or honey to your preference. Allow to rest for at least 15 minutes for flavors to meld fully before serving.
Notes
For healthy upgrades, use organic olive oil and unsweetened dairy alternatives. Regular white vinegar or a blend of oils can be used for budget. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Use a blender for super-fast emulsification (under 5 minutes total), and prep garlic the day before for quicker assembly. If dressing looks thin or separated during emulsification, continue whisking vigorously.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp (30 g)
- Calories: 170 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg