Base for salad dressings or sauces
AI-generated illustration
This is a versatile base used to create a wide variety of salad dressings and sauces, typically starting with an emulsion of oil and an acidic component like vinegar or lemon juice. Common ingredients include neutral or flavorful oils, acids, and seasonings such as mustard, garlic, herbs, and spices, with origins rooted in culinary traditions worldwide, from French vinaigrettes to Asian-inspired mixtures.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
The base is generally high in fat due to the oil content, with minimal carbs and protein, and provides essential fatty acids and vitamin E. A typical serving of 2 tablespoons can range from 100 to 150 calories, depending on the oil and additional ingredients used.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, these bases are a cornerstone of global cuisine, adapting to local flavors and ingredients, and nutritionally, they offer a way to enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from vegetables in salads.