Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

When it comes to adding a delightful twist to your salads or marinades, nothing quite does the job like a tangy and flavorful vinaigrette. One such recipe that stands out is the Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette. 

This delicious dressing combines the unique flavors of white balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, dijon mustard, garlic, and an assortment of herbs and spices. 

In this blog post, we will explore this recipe, its ingredients, step-by-step directions, storage tips, nutrition information, serving suggestions, substitutes, and answer some frequently asked questions. So, let’s dive right in!

What is Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette?

The Orlando, Florida-based Darden Restaurants, Inc. is the owner and operator of the LongHorn Steakhouse casual dining restaurant chain in the United States. In 2023, LongHorn Steakhouse’s 563 locations brought in over $2.5 billion in sales. 

The Longhorn has a great menu to serve. But their White Balsamic Vinaigrette is best. It is a versatile dressing that adds a zesty kick to your salads, vegetables, and grilled meats. 

Its distinct flavour profile comes from the combination of white balsamic vinegar, which imparts a sweeter taste compared to its darker counterpart, and a blend of herbs and spices that make it truly irresistible.

The Ingredients

To prepare this scrumptious vinaigrette, you will need the following ingredients:

White Balsamic Vinegar: White balsamic vinegar is a key component of the Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette, providing a sweet and tangy base. 

Unlike traditional dark balsamic vinegar, the white version maintains a lighter colour, allowing the dressing to retain a visually appealing appearance. The vinegar also adds acidity, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the vinaigrette.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil serves as the primary fat in the vinaigrette, contributing a rich and smooth texture. It not only complements the acidity of the vinegar but also adds a distinct and fruity flavour, enhancing the overall taste of the dressing.

Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier in the vinaigrette, helping to combine the oil and vinegar into a cohesive and creamy dressing. It also contributes a sharp and tangy flavour, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste.

Garlic, minced: Minced garlic provides a pungent and savoury element to the vinaigrette. Its presence adds aromatic complexity and a subtle bite, elevating the flavour profile of the dressing.

Honey: Honey is used as a natural sweetener in the vinaigrette, balancing the acidity from the vinegar and adding a touch of sweetness. This sweet component helps round out the flavours and creates a harmonious taste in the dressing.

Dried Basil: Dried basil contributes an herby and aromatic note to the vinaigrette. It imparts a mild and earthy flavour that complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall herbal profile of the dressing.

Dried Oregano: Dried oregano adds a distinct and savoury flavour to the vinaigrette. It contributes an earthy and slightly peppery note, enhancing the Mediterranean-inspired taste of the dressing.

Salt and Pepper to taste: Salt and pepper serve as fundamental seasonings, allowing the cook to adjust the vinaigrette’s flavour to suit individual preferences. These ingredients enhance the overall taste, bringing out the flavours of the other components in the dressing.

How to make Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette?

Before we get into the step-by-step directions, it’s important to note that making this vinaigrette is a breeze. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can have a delectable dressing ready in no time.

Step by step directions

Step 1. 

In a small mixing bowl, combine the white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, honey, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until well blended.

Step 2. 

Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk the ingredients together. This will help emulsify the vinaigrette and create a smooth texture.

Step 3. 

Once all the ingredients are incorporated, taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Step 4. 

Transfer the vinaigrette into a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will ensure the flavors meld together and stay fresh for longer.

Notes

To make the Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette even better, here are a few tips:

– Use high-quality ingredients, especially the extra virgin olive oil, as it plays a crucial role in the taste and texture of the vinaigrette.

– For added freshness, mince the garlic just before adding it to the mixture rather than using pre-minced garlic.

– Feel free to adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your taste buds. If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, add a bit more honey. Likewise, if you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the amount of white balsamic vinegar.

– To enhance the herbaceousness, you can add freshly chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives.

– Give the vinaigrette a good shake before using it to ensure all the flavors are well-distributed.

Storage Tips

To maintain the freshness and taste of your Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette:

– Store it in a sealed glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator.

– The vinaigrette should stay fresh for about one to two weeks.

– Always give the dressing a good shake before using it, as separation may occur due to the olive oil.

Nutrition Information

The exact nutritional value of this vinaigrette may vary depending on the ingredients used and the quantities. However, as a general guide, here is the estimated nutritional information per serving (2 tablespoons):

– Calories: 162

– Fat: 18g

– Carbohydrates: 1g

– Protein: 0g

– Sodium: 66mg

Serving Suggestions

The Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette is incredibly versatile and can elevate the flavors of various dishes. Here are five serving suggestions to get you started:

• Salad Dressing: Drizzle the vinaigrette over a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a refreshing and tangy flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables: Use the vinaigrette as a marinade for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. The flavors will complement the smokiness of the grill beautifully.
• Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls onto skewers and drizzle the vinaigrette over them for a delightful appetizer.
• Roasted Chicken: Brush the vinaigrette onto chicken breasts or thighs before roasting them in the oven. The result is a juicy and flavorful main course.
• Pasta Salad: Toss cooked pasta with diced vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad for a light and tangy pasta dish.

What other substitute can I use in Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe?

If you find yourself short on specific ingredients or simply want to try different variations, here are five substitutes for the Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• Red Wine Vinegar: If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use red wine vinegar instead. While it will alter the taste slightly, it still adds a tangy and robust flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Substitute maple syrup for honey if you prefer a different type of sweetness. This swap can add a unique and subtle maple flavor to the vinaigrette.
• Whole Grain Mustard: Replace dijon mustard with whole grain mustard to give the vinaigrette a slightly heartier and textured taste.
• Fresh Herbs: Instead of using dried basil and oregano, try using fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. The flavors will be more vibrant and aromatic.
• Lemon Juice: If you want to lighten up the vinaigrette, squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a tangy and citrusy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette is a versatile and delightful dressing that can make any dish shine. With its tangy sweetness and harmonious mix of ingredients, this vinaigrette is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. 

Whether you use it to dress salads, marinate meats, or enhance your favorite recipes, this recipe is a must-try. So, go ahead and whip up a batch of this Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette and elevate your culinary creations to new heights.

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