Ultimate New Orleans Muffuletta Dressing

Muffuletta Dressing Recipe: A Flavorful New Orleans Classic 🌟

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this Muffuletta Dressing, a vibrant, tangy creation inspired by the iconic New Orleans muffuletta sandwich. This dressing, perfected through numerous attempts, brings together a delightful medley of briny olives, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all brought together in a zesty vinegar-based mix. Although the preparation time is 30 minutes, note that the dressing benefits from a resting period to meld the flavors. This recipe yields about 7 cups, perfect for a party or multiple meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup green olives, pitted
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 4 red sweet bell peppers, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup garlic cloves, minced
• 6-8 capers, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 anchovy fillet, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 cup wine vinegar
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   Begin by finely chopping the kalamata olives, green olives, onion, celery, red bell peppers, and garlic. For the best texture and flavor, chop these ingredients by hand rather than using a food processor. The latter can sometimes make the vegetables too fine.

2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped olives, onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Toss in the chopped capers along with the fresh oregano, dried oregano leaves, fresh basil, dried basil, fresh thyme, dried thyme, and fresh ground black pepper.

3. Add Brine:
   Add 1/4 cup each of olive brine, Giardineria brine, and peperoncini brine to the vegetable mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring that all the vegetables are well-coated with the brine.

4. Let It Rest:
   Allow the mixture to sit for 1-2 hours. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to develop and meld together.

5. Drain and Return:
   After the resting time, drain the vegetable mixture thoroughly but carefully to minimize the loss of herbs. Discard the brine and return the vegetables to the bowl.

6. Prepare Dressing:
   In a small bowl, combine the chopped anchovy fillets, dry mustard, and wine vinegar. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine. Then, whisk rapidly while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until the mixture is fully emulsified.

7. Mix Dressing with Vegetables:
   Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure that all the vegetables are well-coated with the dressing.

8. Refrigerate:
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing overnight. This allows the flavors to fully develop and intensify.

9. Adjust Flavors:
   Before serving, bring the dressing to room temperature. Taste and adjust the garlic and black pepper to your liking. We recommend adding extra garlic if you prefer a more robust flavor.

10. Serve:
    Spoon the dressing into a sealable container and refrigerate. Before serving, bring it to a cool room temperature just enough for the olive oil to liquefy. Mix thoroughly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Muffuletta Sandwich: For an authentic experience, cut Kaiser rolls or large, round French rolls in half horizontally. Brush the cut sides with a bit of the dressing liquid. Layer the bottom half with thinly sliced ham, salami, and provolone cheese. Top with several tablespoons of the olive dressing and place the top of the roll over it.

• Salad Dressing: Mix some of the olive dressing with additional olive oil and wine vinegar to create a vibrant salad dressing. Serve over mixed greens, bell peppers, onions, croutons, and cheese for a refreshing salad.

• Spread or Dip: Combine 1/2 cup of the olive dressing with softened cream cheese to make a delicious spread. Serve with assorted crackers, or thin the mixture with some brine to use as a dip for veggies and/or chips. It’s particularly delightful as a spread on crackers or Melba toast rather than as a dip.

This Muffuletta Dressing not only enhances the classic muffuletta sandwich but also adds a punch of flavor to salads and snacks. Enjoy the burst of New Orleans flair in every bite! 🍞🧄🫒