These 5 vinegar recipes will make salad exciting

Don’t leave this humble condiment to gather dust on your shelf until your next Friday trip to the chippy. There are loads of different vinegars out there that are super-versatile, taste amazing, and have some serious health benefits.

1. White wine vinegar for healthy arteries

Cheat’s salsa
Serves 4
1 large tin chopped tomatoes
1 onion, diced
garlic clove, crushed
½ small, red chilli, sliced
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 tsp mint sauce
1 tbsp rapeseed oil
salt and pepper
coriander sprig, chopped

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, or whizz in a food processor for a smoother result.
Spikes in blood sugar after meals cause inflammation that increases the risk of clogged arteries. Studies show vinegar (white wine works well in this recipe) lessens this effect, reducing inflammation and unhealthy forms of cholesterol.

2. Rice vinegar for weight loss

Fat-free dressing
Serves 4

4 tbsp rice/rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce
1 tbsp orange juice
garlic clove, crushed
pinch of salt and pepper

Whisk together all the ingredients. This dressing is ultra-low in calories, yet sweet and indulgent-tasting. As well as being ultra-low in calories, fat-free vinegar dressings could help you to feel full. Studies have shown that as little as two teaspoons of vinegar blunted the effect of starchy carbs on blood glucose levels and reduced hunger later.

3. Rosemary vinegar for a healthy heart

Easy salad dressing
Serves 2
3 tbsp rapeseed oil
1 tbsp rosemary vinegar
garlic clove, crushed
pinch each of salt and pepper
Whisk the ingredients together. To cut calories, you can experiment with replacing some of the oil with water – but of course this will decrease the nutrient-enhancing effects.
Vinegar contains phenolics, which reduce our risk of heart disease. The rosemary gives a further antioxidant boost as it contains the compounds rosmarinic and carnosic acid.

4. Red wine vinegar for cutting your cancer risk

Onion chutney
Serves 2
1 large red onion
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp crushed black pepper
Pinch of cayenne
½ tbsp chopped mint leaves
60ml red wine vinegar
Thinly slice the onion, then combine with the salt, pepper, cayenne, mint and red wine vinegar.

Studies have shown red wine vinegar attacks, and inhibits, the growth and spread of cancer cells, effectively making them ‘self-destruct’.
In addition, onions and garlic are part of the allium family and contain the compound allicin – which has a host of health benefits including helping to keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels healthy.

5. Balsamic vinegar for balancing blood sugar

Balsamic strawberries
Serves 2
Ground black pepper
100g strawberries
Balsamic vinegar
Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the strawberries, then drizzle on the vinegar -– it’s an unusual combination that works.
Keeping blood sugar levels stable is the key to avoiding energy dips. Balsamic vinegar smooths out the peak in blood sugar after meals – job done! Plus, strawberries are rich in antioxidants which help protect our bodies’ cells – brain cells included – from damaging free radicals.

How do you make salad exciting? Dressings? A sprinkle of seeds? Tweet us @healthymag and share your tips! Or join in the conversation on our Facebook page

Photography: Keepinitkind.com | Pinterest

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These 5 vinegar recipes will make salad exciting

Description

Vinegar isn't just for soaking your chips in, it's got loads of secret health benefits. Follow our 5 easy recipes and make salad exciting.

Author

Dr Carina Norris

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Healthy Magazine

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