Professional Cooks' Preferred Salad Dressings: Recipes and Preferences

Salad dressings are not just an afterthought but a gourmet complement to any meal, and professional cooks often have their fond preferences. In this article, we will explore the favorite salad dressings of those who know their craft and share some of their tried-and-true recipes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, these recipes and insights will help you take your salads to the next level.

Acidic Dressings: A Professional Chef's Delight

Professional chefs like myself often favor fresh and acidic salad dressings. These dressings bring a burst of flavor and freshness to even the simplest salad ingredients. I particularly enjoy Japanese-based dressings with shiso, but since shiso is not always readily available, I share a simple recipe that uses ingredients most kitchens already have.

Shiso-Based Dressing Recipe

Ingredients:

1 onion, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons French's mustard (any mustard will do, but I prefer French's for its zesty flavor) Salt and pepper (both black and white can be used to taste) Vinegar (a few tablespoons, you can use apple cider or any type) Olive oil or any vegetable/sunflower oil Honey (optional) Lemon juice (optional)

Method:

Chop the onion finely and place it in a blender. Add the mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend on high speed for a few seconds. Slowly drizzle in the vinegar and continue blending. While the mixture is still blending, slowly add the oil. Pour until it transitions from a puree to a liquidy dressing. Add a touch of honey or a dash of lemon juice if desired.

This quick and easy dressing packs a punch and complements a variety of salads.

A Classic Approach: Balsamic Vinaigrette

Professional chefs use a range of dressings, including classic balsamic vinaigrettes. A popular method is to mix olive oil with balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Here is a simple version that works wonderfully:

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Ingredients:

Good-quality olive oil (about one tablespoon per serving) Very good quality, non-acidic balsamic vinegar (about one tablespoon per serving) Salt and freshly ground pepper

Method:

Mix the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the salad with the dressing.

This vinaigrette is effortless to make and enhances the natural flavors of your salad ingredients.

Cilantro Vinaigrette: A Perfect Balance

For my wife, who is a picky eater, I experiment with different flavors. One of her favorites is a cilantro vinaigrette, which is both vibrant and delicious. The recipe combines the zestiness of cilantro with the complexity of citrus and spices.

Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe

Ingredients:

Apple cider vinegar Orange juice (from one orange) Toast cumin (a few shakes) Chopped jalape?o pepper (a couple of slices) Minced garlic (a couple of cloves) Salt and pepper (to taste) Sugar (a pinch) Cilantro (a big handful, roughly chopped) Extra virgin olive oil (to emulsify the dressing)

Method:

Pour the apple cider vinegar and orange juice into a blender. Add the toasted cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar. Blend well. Chop the cilantro and add it to the blender. Blend until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil for emulsification. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth and creamy dressing.

This cilantro vinaigrette is versatile and works as a marinade, sauce, or dressing. It can bring a unique flavor to any dish.

Conclusion

Salad dressings are more than just a glaze over greens; they are an essential part of a balanced meal. As a professional cook, I have learned to appreciate the nuances of different dressings and experimented with various ingredients to create unique flavors. Whether you are preparing a simple vinaigrette or a more complex cilantro vinaigrette, the key is to use quality ingredients and pay attention to balance.