Oil is often the primary ingredient when it comes to dressing salads. Because vinegar, citrus and
different acids are used to make vinaigrettes and dressing, oil is used to help balance out their
intensity. It also adds body and texture to the dressing or vinaigrette.
Generally, the favorite oil is olive oil. Choosing a good quality olive oil is essential to creating
the best salad. However, when a lighter flavor is desired, neutral oils such as grape seed,
safflower and canola are excellent and healthy choices.
These neutral oils can also be used to tame and lighten the flavor of stronger oils. Simply mix the
two in equal amounts or to taste. Nut or seed oils such as walnut, hazelnut and sesame seed oil
can be used to add distinctive flavors. These oils are sometimes diluted with the neutral oil to
balance out their stronger flavor.
Note that nut and seed oils should always be stored in the refrigerator to prevent them from
going rancid.
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