Recipes
Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
By Katie Stewart · August 13, 2023 · 5 min read
Time to mix up your salad dressing with my current obsession, Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette. It’s packed with flavour thanks to tons of caramelised garlic, rich dijon and fresh rosemary.
Toss the Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette in your favourite salad, drizzle it over veggies or marinate proteins like chicken.
The Magic of Garlic
If you’re a fan of garlic, you’re often a BIG fan. The more the merrier really is a garlic lover’s motto. And good news here, garlic is super duper good for you! Let’s dig into the difference between fresh and roasted as well as how to source healthier garlic.
Fresh Garlic
- Allicin Power: Fresh garlic contains a compound called allicin, known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It’s activated when garlic is chopped or crushed and is most potent in its raw form.
- Strong Flavour: The pungent and robust flavor of fresh garlic comes with intense health benefits, like promoting heart health and supporting the immune system.
- Gut Impact: Fresh garlic can sometimes be harder on sensitive stomachs, potentially causing discomfort or gas.
Roasted Garlic
- Milder & Sweeter: Roasting garlic transforms its sharp flavour into a softer, sweeter taste. This gentle flavour comes with reduced allicin levels, as the compound breaks down with heat.
- Easier Digestion: Roasted garlic is generally easier on the stomach, making it a preferable option for those with sensitive digestion.
- Nutrient Preservation: While roasting may decrease allicin, it doesn’t significantly impact other nutrients in garlic. You’ll still get benefits like vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Even though allicin levels may reduce with roasting, the anti-inflammatory properties of garlic remain, providing support for skin and overall wellness.
To find the best garlic, head to the grocery store or, even better, your local farmers’ market. You want to look for firm, plump cloves with unbroken, dry skins. If possible, chose locally grown and organic garlic to max out your nutritional benefits as well as avoid avoid pesticides.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Liquid Gold for Your Body & Skin
When choosing olive oil, quality is key, especially if you’re seeking Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). Look for EVOO in a dark glass bottle, as the dark color helps shield the delicate oil from light exposure. Plus, using glass instead of plastic prevents the risk of hormone-disrupting substances leaching into the oil. It’s a smart way to ensure you’re getting the best and safest product.”
Olive Oil vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Processing
- Olive Oil: This is typically a blend of refined olive oil and some virgin olive oil. It undergoes a refining process that may include heat and chemicals, removing some of the aroma and flavour.
- EVOO: Made from freshly pressed olives and is not treated with chemicals or altered by temperature. It retains more of the natural vitamins and minerals found in olives.
Taste & Aroma
- Olive Oil: Milder in flavor and aroma.
- EVOO: Rich, robust flavor with a strong olive aroma.
Nutritional Content:
- Olive Oil: Some nutrients may be lost during processing.
- EVOO: Higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats.
EVOO for a Healthy Body
When it comes to Extra Virgin Olive Oil, heart and brain health always hog the spotlight. While they’re amazing for those two organs, EVOO is also great for a number of what I call your “clear skin organs.” The body systems that need to be in balance in order to clear up chronic acne.
Gut Health
- Aids in digestion by stimulating the digestive enzymes.
- Supports good bacteria in the gut.
- Can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Listen to the gut health podcast here.
Liver Health
- Supports liver detoxification processes.
- Promotes healthy fat metabolism, aiding in the prevention of fatty liver disease.
- Listen to the detox organ podcast here.
Hormone Health
- The healthy fats help provide the building blocks for proper hormone production.
- Listen to the hormone health podcast here.
Skin Health
- Rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect the skin from oxidative stress.
- Healthy fats moisturise the skin from within, promoting a healthy glow.
More Salad Dressing Recipes
- Creamy Hemp Heart Caesar Dressing
- Maple Balsamic Dressing
- 5-Minute Ranch Dressing
- Poppy Seed Dressing
- Almond Butter Turmeric Dressing
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Muffin tin
- Food processor or blender
Ingredients
For the roasted garlic:
- 4 small heads roasted garlic or 2 large
- Drizzle avocado oil
For the vinaigrette:
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup water
- ¼ apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tsp dijon
- ½ tsp unrefined sea salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
For the roasted garlic:
- Preheat oven to 400F. Cut parchment paper into squares a little larger than each bulb
- Peel away any loose garlic skin while leaving the bulbs intact.
- Use a sharp knife and cut about ¼” off the top of the bulbs. It should expose the ends of each individual bulb.
- Place a piece of parchment paper on the counter and then place a head of garlic in the center.
- Wrap the parchment paper around the head of garlic and twist at the top to prevent it from opening. Place the wrapped garlic head in the muffin tin.
- Repeat until all bulbs are wrapped.
- Roast in the oven at 400F for 30 to 40 mins – or until the cloves are soft and lightly browned.
- Remove from the parchment paper to cool enough to handle.
- Use your fingers to gently squeeze the bottom of each clove to have it pop out of its skin. You can use a small knife or fork for additional assistance, if needed.
- Add all the roasted garlic cloves to the food pro or blender.
For the vinaigrette:
- Add all the vinaigrette ingredients to the food pro or blender alongside the garlic.
- Pulse/blend until all ingredients are well combined. If you’d like a thinner dressing, add a little more water.
- Use immediately or store in a glass jar for up to five days.