Recipe: AROMATIC GREEN VINAIGRETTE | Delicious Diets Sustainable Diets
Channel: Chef Pachi Gallo Sustainably FIT
Date: 2019-04-29

Fresh Herb Aromatic Green Vinaigrette: A Versatile, Flavorful Dressing.  Elevate your dishes with this Fresh Herb Aromatic Green Vinaigrette, vibrant cilantro, culantro, basil, and peppermint blend. This versatile vinaigrette adds a refreshing, aromatic touch to salads, cheeses, steaks, pork, chicken, and fish. Made with heart-healthy olive oil and balanced with the tang of white wine vinegar and a hint of maple syrup, this dressing is gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and perfect for those seeking a flavorful, healthy addition to their meals. Quick to prepare and easy to store, this vinaigrette is a must-have in your kitchen for a delicious, sustainable diet.

 Dietary Benefits:
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
- Antioxidant Power: Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and peppermint are packed with antioxidants, which protect your cells from oxidative stress.
- Low in Calories: This vinaigrette is a low-calorie option, making it a powerful addition to a weight-conscious diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Cholesterol-Free: This vinaigrette is naturally cholesterol-free, making it suitable for those managing their cholesterol levels.

 Tips:
Versatility: Use this vinaigrette not only on salads but also as a marinade for meats or a drizzle over grilled vegetables.
- Make Ahead: Prepare a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it in ice cube trays for more extended storage.
- Customize the Flavor: Adjust the ratio of herbs to your liking (see below for culantro*), or try adding other fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Idea: Drizzle this vinaigrette over warm roasted vegetables or use it as a dip for fresh bread.

 Recipe:
Servings: 4 (1 tablespoon per servings)  
Prep Time: 5 minutes  
Cooking Time: 0 minutes  

Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (cilantro, culantro, basil, and peppermint)
- 2½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper

Instructions:
1. Blend the Herbs: In a blender, combine 1 tablespoon each of chopped cilantro, basil, culantro, and peppermint.
2. Add the Remaining Ingredients: To the blended herbs, add 2½ tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
3. Mix: Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined.
4. Serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette over your favorite salads, cheeses, steaks, pork, chicken, or fish. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

 Serving Suggestions:
- Salads: Use as a fresh, aromatic dressing for leafy greens or grain salads.
- Marinade: Marinate chicken, fish, or tofu in this vinaigrette for an hour before grilling or baking for enhanced flavor.
Drizzle: For fresh herb flavor, pour over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even soft cheeses like chèvre.

This Fresh Herb Aromatic Green Vinaigrette is a quick, easy, and nutritious way to add a flavorful, gourmet touch to your meals. It makes healthy eating both delicious and sustainable.

• Culantro: Culantro is a tropical herb with a robust, cilantro-like flavor, commonly used in Latin American and Caribbean cooking. 2 leaves of chopped culantro are as strong as ½ cup of cilantro, so use it sparingly.
• *A great use is to add 10 leaves to a cup of garlic cloves when processing them to freeze or refrigerate.
 In the U.S., culantro is commonly referred to as "recap," in Colombia, as “Cilantro Cimarrón,” in Panama, it is one of the ingredients of “recap” along with green onions and parsley; in Puerto Rican cuisine, "spiny cilantro." It's less known than cilantro but can often be found in Latin American or Caribbean grocery stores.
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