3 Fresh Vinaigrette Recipes for Spring

April 2013This season's best-dressed salads start with a trio of versatile vinaigrettes that serve double duty as sauces and marinades.

Related: Main Dish Salad Recipes

Ginger-Basil Vinaigrette Use this as a sauce for fish or shrimp, crisp lettuces, avocado, or rice. 

Preparation: Process 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp. minced fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp. honey; and ½ tsp. kosher salt in a food processor until smooth. With processor running, pour 2/3 cup grapeseed oil through food chute in a slow, steady stream, processing until smooth. Makes about 3/4 cup

Red Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette

Pair this sweet, piquant vinaigrette with fresh greens and tangy goat cheese. It also works as a marinade for chicken or pork.
Preparation:

Whisk together 6 Tbsp. red wine vinegar; 1/3 cup olive oil; 3 Tbsp. red pepper jelly; 1 shallot, minced (about 2 Tbsp.); 1 Tbsp. coarse-grained mustard; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; and 1/4 tsp. black pepper in a small bowl. Makes about 1 cup

Peach-Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Pair with any lettuce, or drizzle over grilled pork. 

Preparation: Process 3/4 cup frozen sliced peaches or mango, thawed; 3 Tbsp. peach preserves; 2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar; ½ tsp. Dijon mustard; and ½ tsp. kosher salt in a food processor until smooth. With processor running, pour ½ cup canola oil through food chute in a slow stream. Process until smooth; stir in 11/2 tsp. poppy seeds. Makes 11/4 cups

Take it
 with You
To transport, secure wooden ball lids with tape. Store in the fridge up to one week. Glass bottles with wood stoppers, $19 each; westelm.com. Kitchen twine, about $3; available at grocery stores.

For more great Spring recipes, head to SouthernLiving.com