Garlic salad dressing is an old favorite in the salad bowl. It provides significant health benefits and an array of delicious uses beyond the salad bowl! However, when you consider the many health benefits, you’ll want to use garlic salad dressing in as many additional ways as possible. Garlic provides a powerhouse of nutrients, as well as fighting off a number of diseases. There are a great a lot of dishes that may be improved with the use of that garlic salad dressing recipe. Garlic is also a natural antibiotic, clinically proven, in a great number of trials, to kill 27 different pathogens, including staph, a variety of bacteria, viruses and fungus, including candida albicans, the culprit accountable for yeast infections. Adding a single clove of garlic to your daily menus can decrease cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Before we get to some of the yummy garlic concoctions, let’s take a look at those health benefits. Garlic is packed with vitamins B6 and C and contains significant amounts of selenium, a trace mineral which, in combination with allicin, a primary component of garlic, helps control weight. The virtues of garlic don’t stop here. It’s an excellent tonic for the heart and cardiovascular function and is useful in reducing the inflammation of arthritis. Preparing garlic by these methods causes the allicin to be released in greatest quantity and is thus, most beneficial. It holds cancer fighting properties and helps ward off colds and flus. Bacteria responsible for tuberculosis are estimably tackled and killed by this wonderful herb.
There are not many foods which may be easily integrated into your diet which present such a number of health benefits. Raw organic garlic, sliced thinly, crushed or minced is the most effectual form. OK, now to a basic garlic salad recipe. While there are hundreds of variations, this recipe provides a good starting point. Heating garlic causes a loss of allicin, so if you’re using it in soups or sauces, heat it only briefly to keep the utmost medicinal effect. This garlic salad dressing recipe makes about one cup, but can simply be doubled, or tripled.
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
A dash of Dijon mustard (optional, but adds some zip)
Garlic salad dressings must be refrigerated, as dangerous bacteria can grow if left at room temperature. This basic recipe is even better when you add fresh herbs. Slices of lightly toasted or broiled French bread become a gourmet delight when brushed with your basic garlic salad dressing. Dress fresh or cooked spinach with a plain garlic dressing. Sauteed mushrooms are all the tastier with a splash of garlic dressing. Rosemary (good for your heart), parsley (offsets that ‘garlic breath’ effect), basil and oregano all work well with the taste of garlic.
When adding garlic to hot entrees or sauces, add the garlic just before serving to protect its health enhancing qualities. Try your basic garlic salad dressing recipe with a dash of thyme in a serving of green beans for a delicious treat. A sour cream based dip with a tablespoon of garlic dressing makes a terrific dunker for a variety of raw veggies. Try a sprinkling of minced garlic to dress baked or roasted potatoes. Now, let’s get cooking. To your good health!
