The Perfect Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
At Carluccio's, we believe the secret to truly great Italian food often lies in the simplest things—a philosophy championed by our founder, Antonio Carluccio. Forget overly complicated preparations; the authentic taste of Italy is found in the quality of the ingredients and the purity of their combination.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the most fundamental element of an Italian meal: the salad dressing.
Italians don't drown their greens in heavy, creamy dressings. Instead, they elevate them with a vinaigrette so simple and fresh, it’s often made directly on the plate. We call it La Vinaigrette Perfetta—The Perfect Vinaigrette.
This is a recipe you can easily replicate at home using the superb ingredients available in the Carluccio’s online deli.
Recipe: La Vinaigrette Perfetta
This recipe is designed to be highly versatile. It’s perfect for a simple arugula salad, drizzled over steamed green beans, or used as a marinade for grilled vegetables.
The Golden Ratio (The Secret to Perfection)
For a balanced Italian vinaigrette, the traditional ratio is 3 parts Oil to 1 part Acid.
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For a simple salad for two, this might be: 3 tablespoons Oil to 1 tablespoon Vinegar.
Instructions (The Art of Simplicity)
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Add the Acid: Pour in the 1 tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar into a bowl. If using the Balsamic, a little goes a long way!
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Season Heavily: Sprinkle in a generous pinch of Coarse Sea Salt and a few grinds of Black Pepper.
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Emulsify (Lightly): Stir the vinegar and seasoning together until the salt has mostly dissolved
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Add the Oil: Pour in the 3 tablespoons of Carluccio’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
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Whisk and Taste: Whisk quickly with a fork for about 30 seconds until the dressing is slightly cloudy (emulsified).
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Final Flourish: Stir in your optional chopped fresh herbs.
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Dress: Pour the vinaigrette directly over your salad leaves or vegetables and toss gently just before serving.
Antonio's Legacy: Why Quality Matters
The reason this recipe is so reliant on high-quality ingredients is simple: there’s nowhere for a poor ingredient to hide.
When you use our full-bodied Extra Virgin Olive Oil, you get that deep, green, fruity flavour. When you use true Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, you get a beautiful, natural sweetness that no sugar could replicate.
The Perfect Italian Salad Dressing isn't about complexity; it's about integrity.
Ready to elevate your salads from everyday to perfetto? Shop Carluccio’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar in our online deli today!
