Basic Vinaigrette (Plus Variations!)

Basic Vinaigrette (Plus Variations!)

Here's my go-to vinaigrette recipe! It's so easy to make and tastes way better than store-bought dressings. You can change up the flavors by choosing the vinegar that suits your salad best. Recipe yields 3/4 cup dressing, enough for about 6 medium salads (assuming 2 tablespoons per salad).

Ingredients

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar of choice

    balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 2 medium cloves garlic

    pressed or minced

  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
    to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Stir well with a small whisk or a fork until the ingredients are completely mixed together.

  2. 2

    Taste, and adjust as necessary. If the mixture is too acidic, thin it out with a bit more olive oil or balance the flavors with a little more maple syrup or honey. If the mixture is a little blah, add another pinch or two of salt. If it doesn’t have enough zing, add vinegar by the teaspoon.

  3. 3

    Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for future use. Homemade vinaigrette keeps well for 7 to 10 days. If your vinaigrette solidifies somewhat in the fridge, don’t worry about it—real olive oil tends to do that. Simply let it rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes or microwave very briefly (about 20 seconds) to liquify the olive oil again. Whisk to blend and serve.

Basic Vinaigrette (Plus Variations!)

Basic Vinaigrette (Plus Variations!)

4.9(309)

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 309 ratings

cookieandkate.com
4.9(309 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Tired of lackluster store-bought dressings? Craft your own vibrant, fresh Basic Vinaigrette in minutes – a recipe so easy, you'll wonder why you ever bought it from a bottle. This homemade dressing isn't just about saving money; it's about unlocking a new level of flavor for your everyday meals.

This vinaigrette works because it's built on a foundation of quality ingredients and customizable choices. The harmonious blend of robust extra-virgin olive oil, a chosen vinegar, and the emulsifying power of Dijon mustard ensures a dressing that's both stable and incredibly flavorful. It provides a simple base that you can effortlessly adapt to suit any salad or palate.

What truly sets this Basic Vinaigrette apart is its balanced profile. You can expect a bright, tangy dressing with a subtle sweetness from maple syrup or honey, rounded out by the pungent warmth of fresh garlic and a hint of spice from Dijon. It coats greens beautifully, adhering without being greasy, and delivers a clean, fresh taste that enhances rather than overpowers your salad ingredients. This isn't just a dressing; it's a staple that will elevate countless dishes.

Customization & Variations

The true magic of this Basic Vinaigrette lies in its adaptability. Don't be afraid to experiment with your choice of vinegar:

  • Balsamic vinegar lends a richer, sweeter, and more complex note, perfect for caprese salads or those with roasted vegetables.
  • Red wine vinegar offers a classic, sharp tang that pairs wonderfully with robust greens or Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
  • White wine vinegar provides a lighter, crisper acidity, ideal for delicate greens or fruit-based salads. You can also easily swap the maple syrup for honey, or vice versa, based on your preference or what you have on hand.

This versatile vinaigrette is your ideal partner for everything from simple mixed green salads to heartier grain bowls, pasta salads, or even as a marinade. Drizzle it generously over your favorite vegetables to brighten any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions