Imagine a vinaigrette so vibrant and bursting with flavor that it turns an ordinary salad into a gourmet masterpiece. This Roasted Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette is not just a dressing; it's a culinary revelation that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. By roasting cherry tomatoes to caramelized perfection and blending them with rich balsamic vinegar, you'll create a sauce that's simultaneously sweet, tangy, and impossibly luxurious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will allow the cherry tomatoes to roast perfectly, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Make sure they are thoroughly dried to ensure they roast well.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss them gently to coat each tomato evenly with the oil.
- Spread the coated cherry tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Ensure there is space between each tomato to allow for even roasting.
- Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance their flavor as they roast.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for about 20 minutes, or until they are blistered and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once roasted, remove the tomatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle when blending.
- Transfer the roasted cherry tomatoes to a blender or food processor. Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and blend until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more olive oil if desired.
- Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Finely chop a handful of fresh basil leaves and stir them into the vinaigrette. This will add a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dressing.
- Serve the roasted cherry tomato vinaigrette over your favorite salad, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes for the best flavor intensity
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for superior taste
- Don't rush the roasting process - slow caramelization develops deeper flavors
- Let the tomatoes cool slightly before blending to prevent steam buildup
- For a smoother consistency, strain the vinaigrette through a fine-mesh sieve
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Experiment with adding a small garlic clove or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra complexity
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
