1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
While the clove of garlic is still inside skin, place it on a flat surface and lay the flat side of a knife or food scraper over it. Carefully give it a smack with the palm of your had to smash the garlic. Now the skin should peel easily from the clove of garlic. Place the clove of garlic in a wooden salad bowl. Using a fork, smash the garlic with the salt against the inside of the bowl until it becomes a grainy paste.
½ cup olive oil – a fruity extra virgin oil like Bertolli or Olio Santo or a lighter one, like Bertolli Extra Light
Fresh lemon juice from 1/2 to 1 lemon*, depending on size and tartness (less is more to start)
Add olive oil to the garlic paste in the bowl.** Squeeze in juice of ½ large lemon. Remove any seeds that fall into the bowl. Using a wire whisk, blend the olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly.
Pinch of Herbes de Provence***
Add a teaspoon, or so, of Herbes de Provence to the dressing. Let sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving. Whisk again before adding to salads or using as a marinade for meat, chicken or vegetables.
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| Mix, serve and store in one container! |
* Substitute Meyer lemons, limes, Key limes, oranges, Blood oranges, tangerines, grapefruit etc.
** Sometimes I make this in a mini food processor, after I’ve mashed the garlic and salt mixture. Other times I use this handy salad dressing mixer/dispenser. The center blade rotates to emulsify the dressing when the handle is squeezed and then dressing can be poured from the spout. Really good for those who prefer to add dressing to salads themselves!
*** You may substitute other herbs or spices to alter the flavor to suit your salad. Cumin is good for taco salad. Cinnamon is good for salads with sliced apple or pears and blue or goat cheese. Greek herb blends are good for Greek salads. Basil and oregano are good for sliced fresh tomatoes and fresh goat cheese. Just start with a small amount of herbs and taste before you add more – until you reach the intensity of herb flavor you want. Remember the flavor with become a bit stronger as it sits at room temperature before serving.
