Simple Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe

Oh my, this Simple Parmesan Vinaigrette recipe delivers tons of flavor to any garden salad or pasta salad. Freshly grated parmesan cheese is a delicious addition to a salad, and this salad dressing already has it as an ingredient. With just a few ingredients, you will make this easy vinaigrette recipe again and again!

Serve this salad dressing tossed with a garden salad, including cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, mixed greens, and some grilled chicken or steak at your next backyard BBQ! My guests loved it and were asking for the recipe! Parmesan Vinaigrette is one of my favorite salad dressing recipes.

For more delicious additions to your next salad, try this Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette and Maple Dijon Dressing!

Parmesan Vinaigrette Ingredients and Substitutions

• Parmesan cheese – If possible, you will want to use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-grated parmesan because the flavor is much more impressive.
• Extra virgin olive oil – Using extra virgin olive oil also brings the taste of this dressing to an outstanding level.
• White wine vinegar – This light and fruity vinegar complements the other ingredients well. Please don’t confuse it with white vinegar, which has a much stronger taste.
• Garlic – Adding garlic gives this vinaigrette a robust flavor but does not overpower the parmesan and white wine vinegar.
• Dijon mustard – Using Dijon mustard adds a tangy, sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients.

If you don’t have white wine vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or champagne vinegar. Or you can substitute the vinegar altogether for lemon juice. Lemon juice will give it a lemony, tangy flavor but still delicious and more like a lemon parmesan vinaigrette.  

How to Make Parmesan Vinaigrette – Step-by-Step Instructions

First step: Add the freshly grated parmesan, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, and mustard to a bowl and whisk together—season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Second step: Then add the parmesan vinaigrette to your salad and enjoy!

Common Questions

Is parmesan vinaigrette healthy?

This Parmesan vinaigrette recipe is healthy because of the fantastic nutritional benefits of parmesan, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic. There is protein and calcium in the parmesan cheese, polyphenols in the white wine vinegar, and vitamin E from the extra virgin olive oil. Keep reading to learn more about the nutritional benefits of the individual ingredients.

And almost anytime you make something homemade rather than buying it in the store, you are most likely choosing the healthier option. For example, many salad dressings you buy will have added preservatives.

What does parmesan vinaigrette taste like?

The taste of parmesan vinaigrette is a combination of its ingredients. Parmesan cheese has a rich, tangy, and nutty flavor, which is the prominent flavor of this vinaigrette. But you will also taste the white wine vinegar’s light fruitiness and the Dijon mustard’s tanginess. This vinaigrette has tons of flavor, so a little bit goes a long way!

Parmesan Vinaigrette Nutrition

Parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese made in Northern Italy with a nutty, grainy texture. It is also an excellent source of calcium, with 26% of the daily value (DV) in 1 ounce and 16% of the DV for phosphorus. And it is also high in protein, with 10 grams in 1 serving.

Additionally, parmesan cheese is also low in lactose, making it safe for people with lactose intolerance to consume.

Extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil, referred to as EVOO, is the least processed and freshest olive oil. It is typically cold-pressed or stone-pressed to preserve the antioxidants in olive oil. EVOO has the best flavor and is best for salads and salad dressings. More refined olive oil, such as extra light olive oil, will have less taste and a higher smoke point, which is better for cooking.

In addition, extra virgin olive oil is a good source of vitamin E and K, with 13% of DV and 9% of DV, respectively. And because of the antioxidants in olive oil, such as polyphenols, it has anti-cancer properties. Polyphenols may also help to prevent bone fractures and improve bone density. And olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which also have anti-inflammatory benefits and is heart-healthy!

White wine vinegar

Research has found that white wine vinegar can help to regulate blood sugar, promote appetite control, improve blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, it has high polyphenol content, which has anti-cancer benefits.

Dijon mustard

Dijon mustard is named after Dijon, France. It was created in Dijon in the Middle Ages. This mustard is made using brown mustard seeds, water, vinegar, and salt. It contains selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, and calcium. Dijon mustard also has anti-cancer properties, can lower blood sugar levels, protect against infections, and reduce dermatitis symptoms.

Garlic

Garlic is known to add great flavor to foods and has nutritional benefits. Some benefits of garlic include boosting the immune system to help fight off infections, reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and can help prevent cancer.

Storing

Save any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.

Tips

• Make sure to stir or shake the vinaigrette in the jar if it has been sitting for a bit, as the oil and other ingredients will separate.
• Because of the bold flavor, a little goes a long way. So add a little at a time and taste as you add.

Original recipe from Eating Well

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More Healthy Recipe Ideas!

• Simple Chicken and Bell Pepper Pasta Salad
• Easy Roasted Summer Squash and Zucchini