In Spain, where gastronomic culture and the Mediterranean diet could be our holy grail, salads are a recurring dishoccupying an important place in the daily lives of many people thanks to its versatility and simplicity to make them. However, what often makes the difference in these dishes is the dressing, which can go from a simple salad to a premium one.
Therefore, to achieve this spectacular result, Samuel Alonso, chef and content creator known on networks as @whthefoc, has published on his Instagram account a video where he teaches the definitive formula for dressing salads correctly.
The key to the dressing: vinegar and salt first
In the published video, Samuel Alonso explains that the first thing to do is mix vinegar with salt so that it can be dissolved without problem, since with olive oil It is much more difficult because the fat creates a kind of protective layer and cannot be diluted well.
By dissolving the salt in the vinegar, the flavor is better distributed and you get a homogeneous dressing without lumps. It may seem silly, but this first step is super important to achieve a perfect result.
On the other hand, the content creator also specifies an ideal proportion: one part vinegar for every three parts oil. This proportion allows maintaining a balance between the acidity of the vinegar and the softness of the extra virgin olive oilpreventing the dressing from being too strong or greasy.
Emulsify everything with mustard
The next step, and one of the most important secrets that Samuel Alonso shares, is add a teaspoon of mustard to the mix. Mustard has emulsifying properties that help mix vinegar and olive oil to make a perfect and delicious dressing. This is because mustard acts as a bridge between the water molecules of the vinegar and those of the fat of the oil, being able to integrate one with the other.
This will lead to a much thicker dressingfacilitating the mixture to better permeate each ingredient of the salad, ensuring a consistent flavor in each bite, because if the dressing were very liquid, it would stay at the bottom of the salad bowl.
More tips for a good dressing
For this cook, the quality of the ingredients It also plays a fundamental role in the final result of a salad. Therefore, it is recommended to use a quality vinegar, such as sherry vinegar or balsamic, and a good extra virgin olive oil.
Likewise, bet on beat the dressing well before adding it to ensure that the emulsion remains homogeneous and the flavors are fully integrated. A useful trick is to prepare the dressing in a jar with lid to be able to shake it easily and get a well-bound mixture.