We started the planting of our garden a bit later than we normally do this year. Even so, it is amazing to watch everyday as the plants grow a bit bigger and buds and flowers start forming. It gets me excited for when we will be able to start harvesting the big things like tomatoes, squashes and peppers! Today though, I was able to pick some of our lettuce for the first time. The recipe that I am going to share with you today accompanied my fresh salad wonderfully…oil-free fresh herb vinaigrette made with cilantro and basil. I have made different variations of this dressing a few times over the past month or so. It is a great way to use up fresh herbs that may be in the fridge, or to use up fresh herbs before the herb all goes to seed. The latter was my scenario today…oops!

I have made this vinaigrette using all basil, half basil and half cilantro as well as all cilantro. All were wonderful. I have also added extra spices depending on what mood I am in {like chili, cumin and lime to the all cilantro variety}. I used to have a cross-country coach who would tell us, “Variety is the spice of life!” This is true in cooking as well. I encourage you to be creative…switch things up a bit. Make this recipe and then make it again. If there is a particular spice you favor, throw that in the recipe as well and see how it turns out. I would love to hear your results!

This recipe is a great accompaniment to not only salads, but as a dressing and marinade as well. I have used it on grilled chicken, as well as used it as a dressing to marinade some cucumbers and onions…mmmm.

So, if you are looking for a guilt-free, fat-free, fresh and healthy homemade dressing that will make a great accompaniment to the abundance of summer produce, why not try this recipe out? I hope you enjoy it! -Shelley

Oil-Free Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

1/3 c apple cider vinegar
3/4 c cold water
1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t garlic powder
1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
1 good handful fresh basil
1 good handful fresh cilantro
*or 2 handfuls total of whatever type of herb you choose, whether it be all cilantro or all basil
1/4-1/2 t sugar or stevia {to taste}

Measure out apple cider vinegar in a cup that an immersion blender will fit in, or place in a blender.

Add cold water…

Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and whatever other spices you might want to use…

Add roughly chopped garlic…

Sugar/stevia…

And herbs.

Insert immersion blender/smoothie wand into cup and start blending away. Blend until everything is pureed and combined well.

Transfer to a storage container that will be kept in the refrigerator. I used an old mason jar and lid to store mine in.

You now have a nice dressing/marinade/vinaigrette that is guilt free and delicious!

Serve up and enjoy!

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