Summer is nearly here, but the weather has decided that we are already into it full-force.  Not only do salads make your body feel better, but they also help you avoid those afternoon crashes.  I love a hearty lunch, but sometimes my need for caffeine around 3:00 p.m. becomes way more real than I need it to be.  My solution?  Salad.  Specifically a goat cheese, salmon, and walnut salad with small batch sherry vinaigrette.

This sherry vinaigrette is made with fresh garlic, shallots, dried oregano, a little *honey* mustard, and more.  It’s so easy to whip up, and even easier to devour.  If you’ve got the time, make this about 24 hours in advance.  That way, the garlic has a chance to mellow out a bit, and the flavors can come together harmoniously.
There’s a combination of sweet, salty, savory, and bitterness here.  Shallots are a basically a sweeter version of garlic; they also are packed with great nutrients and antioxidants.  If you ever want to add a new flavor to any homemade dressings, pastas, chicken dishes, etc., I highly recommend giving shallots a try.
They add a ton of flavor to my small batch sherry vinaigrette, and I almost always have one on hand for other recipes! Â The garlic adds another level of flavor, and the sherry is amazing all on its own.
I used an aged sherry vinegar for this recipe, but nearly any sherry vinegar will do.  Just adjust the sweetness (sugar), and salt and pepper accordingly.  I suggest adding salt and pepper to taste, as I enjoy a heavily seasoned dressing.  Some people don’t enjoy as much seasoning, and I completely get that.  Just make it how you love it!
Add this to a simple salad of tossed greens, but I promise you that it is amazing with cooked salmon, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.  I don’t even care what else is on your salad, just be sure to have those three things with this sherry vinaigrette.  (The greens are just a filler for me when this happens.)
I can’t wait for you to try it out, and let me know what you think!Â

small batch sherry vinaigrette
IngredientsÂ
- 1.5 Tbsp sherry vinegar aged
- 1 Tbsp minced shallots
- 1/2 tsp. pressed garlic
- 1/4 tsp. oregano fresh or dried
- 1 tsp. dijon mustard
- 1 pinch granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil highest quality
Instructions
- Add shallots, garlic, oregano, and sherry vinegar to a small bowl. Â Allow the ingredients to sit together for 20 minutes.
- Whisk in the dijon mustard and sugar.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil as you continuously whisk. Â The slower you add it to the vinegar, the creamier the consistency will be at the end (as long as you keep vigorously whisking!)
- Chill for up to two hours, then serve. Â This allows the harsher flavors of the sherry and garlic to mellow out a bit. Â But you can also serve immediately if you need!
Notes
Tried this recipe?
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Comments & Reviews
Delicious, non-fussy, restaurant quality dressimg!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Pam!! Thank you so much for the awesome comment!!