Introduction

People go to Jimmy John’s for a lot of reasons. The new bread, the quickness, the huge pickles–but here we must be honest with ourselves: that drizzle of oil and vinegar that is their special sauce is one of the real heroes of their sandwiches.

You do know what I mean, huh? The ideal tangy, herbal spurt that transforms a decent sandwich into a mouth-watering, mind-blowing sandwich.

The good news is, though, you do not need to run out to your local Jimmy John’s to get that flavor fix. You can make your own Jimmy Johns Oil and Vinegar Recipe with only a few staple items from your pantry.

And believe me, it comes off so easily you’ll wonder why you haven’t been drizzling it over everything all this time.

What is Jimmy Johns Oil and Vinegar Recipe?

It is basically nothing more than a plain vinaigrette–but you should not be misled by the sound of the word simple. This combination of oils, vinegar, and spices has been well orchestrated to balance each note: tangy, savory, a bit sharp, and very rewarding.

They use it as a garnish to their sandwiches at Jimmy John’s, and it gives their sandwiches a flavor explosion that seeps into the bread and mixes with the meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

The primary ingredients are simple: vegetable oil (or canola), red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of oregano-basil seasoning. That’s it! But the manner in which it brings together is magic.

The History of how I Discovered This Recipe.

Let me confess something. I am also one of those individuals who, after trying a certain thing at a restaurant, must know how to replicate it at home. After one day, I had gobbled a Turkey Tom (my guilty pleasure), I sat and thought to myself, what is it about this sandwich that makes it sing?

I already had deli turkey, provolone, and lettuce at home. I might even bake my own bread. However, no matter how many times I made the sandwich, it never tasted the same as Jimmy John’s, until I discovered the missing ingredient, their oil and vinegar mixture.

Take me to my pantry, where I would empty all the bottles of vinegar I had, and combine the proportions of oil, acid, and herbs as though I were a mad scientist. I solved the puzzle after a couple of experiments (and, to be fair, a couple of unsuccessful sandwiches).

I recognized this immediately by taking one bite, going to Jimmy John’s, and getting the same zingy punch in my own kitchen.

Equipment List

What’s the most attractive thing about this Jimmy Johns Oil and Vinegar Recipe? You need not have much of that. Here’s all you need:

Small mixing bowl/jar with tight-fitting lid.
Whisk or spoon (if using a bowl)
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup
Funnel (not essential, but useful, in case you are putting it in a bottle)
A small bottle or glass jar with a lid to store.

Ingredients For Jimmy Johns Oil and Vinegar Recipe

1 cup of vegetable oil (or canola oil)
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of sugar (not necessary, serves to neutralize the acid)

Optional add-ins:

Red pepper flakes, a pinch of pepper.
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
A drop of balsamic vinegar.

Instructions For Jimmy Johns Oil and Vinegar Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base

In a mixing bowl or jar, mix the oil and the red wine vinegar till they are combined. When you are working with a jar, pour it in, put a tight lid on it, and shake like a mad man.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Add oregano, basil, the powder of garlic, onion, salt, pepper and sugar. Blend till all is evenly spread.

Step 3: Taste Test

To check the balance, dip a piece of bread in the mixture. In case it is too sharp, pour in a little oil. Should it require additional tang, then add some additional drops of vinegar.

Step 4: Store

Pour into a clean glass jar or bottle. Keep it in the refrigerator and not more than a week. One should shake very well every time using it because the oil and vinegar automatically separate.

Flavor Profile: What to Expect.

This is what you will find in each drizzle:

Red wine vinegar: Tangy zing.
Smooth richness from the oil
Basil and oregano herbs.
Alicious heat of garlic and onion powder.
Salt and pepper seasoning.

The combination of them results in that thing Jimmy John’s has– crisp and yet mellow, at the same time uncrowded and yet forceful.

Tips for Success

Shake Before Use: To shake the oil and vinegar in storage will separate it. Shake thoroughly, then pour.

Apply Quality Vinegar: Vinegar is the star so do not cheat on it. It is all in a good red wine vinegar.

Don’t Skip the Herbs: That basil-oregano mix in the dry? It’s essential. Without it, you won’t get that same sandwich shop flavor.

Double the Batch: Trust me, you’ll want to use this on more than just sandwiches.

How to Use Jimmy Johns Oil and Vinegar Recipe

Yes, it’s perfect for sandwiches, but let’s not stop there. This blend can do a lot more:

Drizzle on subs: Turkey, ham, Italian, veggie–you name it.

Toss with salads: Better-than-bottled instant vinaigrette.

Grilled veggies brush on: Zucchini, peppers or eggplant is fond of this taste.

Marinate proteins: A zesty kick to chicken, shrimp or steak.

Bread dip: Combine with a warm baguette slice to make a snack.

Why I Keep Making This at Home

Honestly? Since it is that easy and that good. Being a chef, I prefer complex recipes; however, the simplest recipes can be the most satisfying.

I will say this oil and vinegar mix every time I prepare sandwiches for my family, and everyone will say, “This is just like Jimmy John’s!

And among us girls–I sort of like to keep that little secret weapon in my fridge. A dribble of this and before long, I have my own gourmet sandwich shop.

Final Thoughts

The Jimmy Johns Oil and Vinegar Recipe might seem like a straightforward recipe but it is evidence that flavor does not need to be complex.

Making everything out of the ordinary, with only a handful of new components, will take everything you usually have in your weekday lunches to dinner party spreads.

The next time you feel like having a Jimmy John’s sandwich, do not simply ponder over the bread or the fillings but keep in mind it is that savory sweet drizzle that makes the magic. And now? You have the formula in your back pocket.

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