Wholesome homemade barbecue vinaigrette recipe

Delicious Weeknight Dinner With Homemade BBQ Sauce Vinaigrette

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a quick yet extraordinary meal to spice up your weeknights? Dive into the unique flavors of our homemade BBQ vinaigrette. This recipe not only promises a swift preparation but also delivers a delightful twist on your usual dinner routine.

Infused with a rich blend of smoky BBQ and tangy vinaigrette, it’s designed to impress both your palate and your dinner guests. Perfect for those who appreciate a gourmet touch without the hassle, this vinaigrette will transform your simple dishes into culinary masterpieces.

Homemade healthy BBQ salad dressing recipe
Credits to NYT Cooking – The New York Times

Why This Vinaigrette?

When it comes to weeknight meals, simplicity and flavor are key, and our homemade BBQ sauce vinaigrette hits both marks effortlessly. This vinaigrette combines the deep, smoky flavors of traditional BBQ sauce with the sharp, refreshing zing of a classic vinaigrette, making it a versatile condiment that enhances any dish it accompanies.

Effortless Preparation: One of the biggest advantages of this vinaigrette is its ease of preparation. With just a few common ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s ready to use right away or can be stored for future meals. This quick and easy process means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Bursting with Flavor: Beyond ease, this vinaigrette offers a burst of flavor that can transform even the simplest of salads, grilled vegetables, or meats into a dish that feels gourmet.

Its unique blend of savory BBQ sweetness with acidic vinaigrette sharpness ensures that it complements a wide variety of foods, making it a perfect all-rounder for any day of the week.

Ingredients for BBQ Vinaigrette Recipe

To create this mouthwatering BBQ sauce vinaigrette, you will need the following ingredients:

DIY healthy BBQ vinaigrette mix
Credits to The Spruce Eats
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Homemade BBQ Sauce Vinaigrette
Credits to DGTCom

How to Make BBQ Sauce Vinaigrette

Follow these simple steps to prepare your homemade BBQ sauce vinaigrette:

Mixing the Ingredients

Creating a perfectly emulsified BBQ sauce vinaigrette is all about technique. Start by adding all your dry ingredients — smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar — to the olive oil, and whisk them together until the mixture is smooth. This process helps to dissolve the powders, preventing clumps and ensuring that their flavors are evenly distributed throughout the oil.

Next, incorporate the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. The key here is to whisk vigorously while slowly pouring these liquids in. This method helps to create a smooth, cohesive vinaigrette without separation. Continue to whisk until the mixture appears glossy and homogeneous, indicating that all the ingredients are well integrated.

Final Preparation and Serving Suggestions

Once your BBQ sauce vinaigrette is mixed, it’s ready for the final touches and serving. Before using the vinaigrette, let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together fully, enhancing its overall taste. For storage, pour the vinaigrette into a clean, airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to a week.

Store or Serve:

The vinaigrette can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, give it a good shake or stir to mix any separation that may have occurred.

Serving Ideas:

Serving Healthy homemade BBQ sauce recipe for salads
Credits to Food & Wine
  • Salads: Drizzle over fresh greens, roasted vegetable salads, or pasta salads for a flavorful twist.
  • Grilled Meats: Use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, or beef before grilling to add a smoky, tangy flavor.
  • Vegetables: Toss it with grilled or roasted vegetables before serving or use it as a dipping sauce for a crudité platter.

Make Ahead Tips

To streamline your weeknight meals, prepare the BBQ sauce vinaigrette in advance. Simply follow the recipe to make your vinaigrette and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week.

Before using, shake or stir the vinaigrette to recombine any ingredients that may have separated. This make-ahead tip ensures that you have a flavorful, homemade dressing on hand that can be quickly added to any meal, saving you valuable time on busy nights.

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional content of our homemade BBQ sauce vinaigrette can help you manage your dietary choices better. Here’s a breakdown per serving (approximately 2 tablespoons):

  • Calories: 80 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7 g
    • Saturated Fat: 1 g
    • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0 g
    • Sugars: 5 g
  • Protein: 0 g

This vinaigrette offers a moderate calorie option with a balance of fats and carbohydrates, making it a viable choice for those looking to add flavor without significantly increasing caloric intake. It’s important to note that while it contains sugars, these come from the natural ingredients used in the sauce. For those monitoring sodium intake, consider adjusting the amount of added salt or using a low-sodium variety of ketchup.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your dining experience by incorporating our homemade BBQ sauce vinaigrette into a variety of dishes. Here are some top recommendations:

  1. Salads: Elevate a simple green salad by using the vinaigrette as a dressing, or drizzle it over a hearty pasta salad to add a burst of flavor.
  2. Grilled Meats: Brush the vinaigrette onto chicken, beef, or pork during the last few minutes of grilling for a caramelized finish.
  3. Roasted Vegetables: Toss vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts in the vinaigrette before roasting to infuse them with a smoky, tangy flavor.
  4. Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread the vinaigrette on bread or tortillas to add a zesty twist to sandwiches and wraps.
  5. Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce with appetizers like chicken tenders, grilled shrimp, or vegetable sticks.

FAQs

Yes, you can easily customize the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a sweeter profile, increase the brown sugar or add a tablespoon of honey.

If you prefer a different base, try substituting apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor or use agave syrup in place of brown sugar for a vegan option. Olive oil can also be replaced with avocado oil for a different nutritional profile.

Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for up to one week. Always stir or shake well before use as ingredients may separate over time.

Delicious Weeknight Dinner With Homemade BBQ Sauce Vinaigrette

Recipe by Jose Luis SurjanCourse: Condiment, DressingCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
calories per 2 tablespoons

80

kcal

This BBQ vinaigrette blends the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue sauce with the tangy kick of traditional vinaigrette, creating a versatile condiment perfect for dressing salads, marinating meats, or as a unique dip. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for adding a gourmet touch to everyday meals.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
  • Add brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until well combined.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk again to ensure all ingredients are fully integrated.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, blend the vinaigrette in a food processor or blender until smooth.

How to Customize Your Vinaigrette

Creating a vinaigrette that perfectly matches your taste is easy with a few simple adjustments. Here are some suggestions to help you tailor the BBQ sauce vinaigrette to your liking:

  • Adjust the Sweetness: Control the sweetness by altering the amount of brown sugar. You can decrease it for a more tangy profile or add more for extra sweetness. Honey or maple syrup are also great alternatives for a different kind of sweetness.
  • Modify the Acidity: Change the type or amount of vinegar to adjust the acidity. Balsamic vinegar will give a richer flavor, while white wine vinegar offers a milder taste.
  • Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Add Herbs and Spices: Introduce flavors like dried oregano, basil, or mustard powder to add complexity to your vinaigrette. A small amount of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor.
  • Experiment with Oils: Swap out the olive oil for another type like avocado or walnut oil, each of which will lend a different flavor profile and nutritional benefits.

Recommended Products

To make your vinaigrette preparation easier and more enjoyable, here are some recommended kitchen tools and ingredient brands:

  • Whisk: A sturdy balloon whisk is essential for emulsifying the vinaigrette properly. Look for one with a comfortable grip.
  • Mixing Bowl: Opt for a set of stainless steel mixing bowls that come in various sizes. They are durable and perfect for mixing your ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measuring tools are key to getting your vinaigrette just right. A set that includes both spoons and cups will ensure you have what you need.
  • Mason Jars: For storing your vinaigrette, mason jars are ideal as they seal tightly and can be easily shaken before use.
  • High-Quality Olive Oil: Using a high-quality olive oil, such as those from brands like California Olive Ranch or Colavita, can significantly enhance the flavor of your vinaigrette.
  • Artisan Vinegars: Experiment with vinegars from boutique brands like Bragg or Spectrum, which offer apple cider vinegars that are organic and have a robust flavor.
  • Organic Spices: Fresh, organic spices can make a big difference in flavor. Consider brands like Simply Organic or McCormick Gourmet for your paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Similar Posts

3 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *