Description
This vibrant, smoky dressing offers a rich texture and tangy flavor profile without the need for added sugar. It pairs perfectly with crisp green salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken, providing a satisfying, savory finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce & Fresh Herbs
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred, drained well; or home-roasted and peeled) (approx. 150g)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, basil, or chives (finely chopped)
Liquids
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (120 ml)
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar (80 ml)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (30 ml)
Seasonings & Sweetener
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated monk fruit sweetener or erythritol (adjust to taste, substituting for honey) (12-24g)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (approx. 3g)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a blender canister, combine the drained roasted red peppers, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, water, granulated monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol), sea salt, and black pepper.
- Blend: Process on high speed until the peppers and garlic are completely broken down and the mixture is smooth.
- Emulsify: With the blender running on low speed (if your model allows), slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil. This gradual addition helps create a creamy, emulsified texture that holds together better than adding all ingredients at once.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the vinaigrette. Add a pinch more salt or sweetener if desired to balance the acidity to your preference.
- Finish: Pour the dressing into a glass jar or storage container. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley (or basil/chives) by hand.
- Serve or Store: Use immediately, or cover tightly and refrigerate. Shake well before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The olive oil may solidify slightly in the fridge; let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes and shake well before using to restore consistency.
- Texture: If you prefer a thinner consistency, add an extra tablespoon of water. For a thicker, creamier dressing, reduce the water or add slightly more olive oil.
- Substitutions: If you do not have monk fruit or erythritol, liquid stevia drops can be used (start with 5-6 drops and taste).
- Allergy Alert: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. Always check labels on jarred roasted peppers to ensure they were not processed in a facility with allergens if you have severe sensitivities.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 65 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: <1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugars: 0.4g
- Net Carbs: ~0.6g
- Protein: 0.1g
Disclaimer: These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data using a sugar-free sweetener substitute. Values may vary based on brands, exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or consult a reliable database.