Delicious Recipes Using Herb-Infused Oil and Vinegar

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Delicious Recipes Using Herb-Infused Oil and Vinegar

Introduction

Herb-infused oils and vinegars are versatile ingredients that can elevate the flavor of many dishes. These aromatic infusions add a burst of freshness and complexity to your meals, making them perfect for salads, marinades, sauces, and more. In this post, we’ll explore various recipes that make use of herb-infused oil and vinegar, helping you make the most of these flavorful ingredients.

Recipes Using Herb-Infused Oil

1. Herb-Infused Oil Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons herb-infused oil (e.g., basil, rosemary, or thyme-infused oil)
  • 1 tablespoon herb-infused vinegar (e.g., rosemary-infused vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the herb-infused oil, herb-infused vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup until well combined.
  2. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve: Drizzle over your favorite salad greens and toss to combine.

2. Grilled Vegetables with Herb-Infused Oil

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons herb-infused oil (e.g., thyme or rosemary-infused oil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the mixed vegetables with the herb-infused oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Grill Vegetables: Grill the vegetables for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred.
  4. Serve: Transfer the grilled vegetables to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

3. Pasta with Herb-Infused Oil

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice
  • 3 tablespoons herb-infused oil (e.g., basil-infused oil)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the herb-infused oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the oil and garlic.
  4. Season and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.

Recipes Using Herb-Infused Vinegar

1. Herb-Infused Vinegar Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup herb-infused vinegar (e.g., tarragon or basil-infused vinegar)
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the herb-infused vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined.
  2. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve: Drizzle over your favorite salad greens and toss to combine.

2. Marinated Chicken with Herb-Infused Vinegar

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup herb-infused vinegar (e.g., rosemary-infused vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the herb-infused vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
  5. Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and serve with your favorite side dishes.

3. Herb-Infused Vinegar Pickled Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced radishes
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup herb-infused vinegar (e.g., dill-infused vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • Fresh dill sprigs (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Pack the sliced cucumbers, carrots, and radishes into a clean glass jar.
  2. Combine Vinegar and Spices: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, herb-infused vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
  3. Pour Brine: Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Add fresh dill sprigs if desired.
  4. Seal and Cool: Seal the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Conclusion

Herb-infused oils and vinegars are wonderful additions to any kitchen, offering endless possibilities for enhancing the flavor of your dishes. Whether you’re drizzling herb-infused oil over pasta or using herb-infused vinegar in a salad dressing, these versatile ingredients can transform your meals. Try these recipes to make the most of your herb-infused creations and enjoy the fresh, aromatic flavors they bring to your table.