"A good meal soothes the soul as it regenerates the body. From the abundance of it flows a benign benevolence." -- Frederick W. Hackwood

Salad dressings are typically rich, creamy and loaded with fat or, if the fat is reduced or eliminated it has little taste. If you have relied on creamy dressings for your salad you might consider an oil and vinegar dressing.

By itself, extra virgin olive oil can overwhelm the delicate taste of certain vegetables, but when joined with vinegar it can provide a unique flavor that is mouth-watering, low carb, and friendly to the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

If youve never tried an oil and vinegar dressing, some recipes might be useful in learning more about the rich taste and practical use of oil and vinegar as part of a well balanced diet.

Oil and Vinegar - Dressing for Good Health:

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp red or white wine vinegar
6 tbsp light olive oil
tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, peeled
Pinch of sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a well sealed container. Shake vigorously. Leave to infuse.

2. Garlic should be removed after five hours. You want to instill the dressing with a light garlic scent, not make it a garlic based dressing. You might consider adding a pinch of dried herbs for additional flavor.

For additional flavor, add chopped capers and/or anchovies to the basic vinaigrette. You can also blend in a ripe avocado which contains beneficial oils.

For a creamy texture, add 1 tbsp of low-fat Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise.

This dressing is especially good poured over blanched vegetables such as broccoli and fine greens or shrimp salad.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4

Robust Oil and Vinegar Dressing

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 c. olive oil
1/2 c. tarragon vinegar - or dark wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, diced
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Dash fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp. salt

PREPERATION:

Whisk ingredients together. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Yields 1 cup.

The Balsamic Vinegar Experience

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoon sugar
7 to 8 garlic cloves, mashed to pulp with 1teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

PREPARATION:

Combine all elements in a bowl and blend well - store unused portion in covered container in refrigerator.
Makes 1 1/2 cups.

The Health and Taste Connection

Olive oil remains a health conscious choice and the use of olive oil in salad dressing choices makes sense as a liberally used ingredient. Vinegar enhances the overall taste and provides a dressing that is loaded with taste while providing a beneficial boost to your health maintenance goals.

Mediterranean cuisine routinely uses balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil in the recipes. Research continues to point to a variety of heart healthy benefits from olive oil.

What the Greeks have known for centuries is now providing the rest of the world with a reason to celebrate good taste once more.