Vinaigrette Dressing

You will love the gourmet flavors in our easy Vinaigrette Dressing recipe. A great blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and spices, it is an easy way to turn an everyday salad into a culinary masterpiece.

This basic Vinaigrette Dressing has all the flavors you want to dress a salad. It is tangy, fresh, and smooth.

This recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of salads, from simple garden greens to more complex combinations.

And it’s easy to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Add a touch more sugar or maple syrup for sweetness or amp up the garlic for extra zing. Or if you have fresh herbs, add some in.

If you have different vinegars, try those too! I have made this with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar and it is just as delicious.

You cannot mess up this recipe.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of whisking, you’ll have a delicious salad dressing vinaigrette ready to dress your salad.

What is Vinaigrette Dressing?

Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing is a blended mixture of oil, vinegar, and seasonings.

It’s loved for its tangy flavor and versatility, making it a staple in kitchens worldwide.

What ingredients are in Vinaigrette Dressing?

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base and richness to the dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity and a subtle fruity flavor.
• White Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of sweetness.
• Dry Mustard: Enhances flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Fresh Garlic: Infuses the dressing with savory notes.
• Black Pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and spice.

Pro Tips: 

• Extra virgin olive oil is a great one to use to dress salads, but if you only have pure olive oil that works well too.
• Freshly minced garlic has a much better taste compared to pre-minced varieties. While pre-minced is so convenient (and better than powdered), if you have the energy, use whole garlic cloves and mince them yourself. The flavor will be so much better!

How to Make Vinaigrette Dressing:

1. Combine ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar.
2. Whisk or shake vigorously until well blended and emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings according to your preference.
4. Serve immediately over a simple green salad and toss gently to coat.

Pro Tips:

• Allow the dressing to sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and give you better flavor in your homemade salad dressing.
• Double the recipe and store extra dressing in an airtight container for future use.

Can I Make Vinaigrette Dressing Ahead of Time?

Yes you can make your own dressing ahead of time!

Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to use it, give it a good shake or whisk before using to re-emulsify any separated ingredients.

Pro Tip: Olive oil will solidify when it gets cold. You can let it sit on the counter for a few minutes or run it under warm water until you can mix well.

How to Store Vinaigrette Dressing:

Store salad dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

I like to use a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. It’s best to consume within a week for optimal flavor.

Can I Freeze Vinaigrette Dressing?

Yes you can freeze this salad dressing.

It will separate in the freezer and you will have to emulsify it again.

I like to use a blender to make sure it is fully blended.

What to Serve with Vinaigrette Dressing:

Our salad dressing makes a delicious marinade for meats, but it really shines over your favorite green salad! Pair it with a perfect balance of leafy greens and basic ingredients with bold flavors. Here are a few salad recipes I like to use it on:

• Winter Squash Salad Recipe
• Farro and Arugula Salad Recipe
• Power Greens Salad
• Kale Bacon Salad

Is Vinaigrette Dressing Healthy?

Yes, this Vinaigrette Dressing is healthy.

Since it is made mostly with olive oil and vinegar, it gives you healthy fats and very few added sugars compared to store-bought salad dressings.

Is Vinaigrette Dressing Gluten-Free?

Yes, this homemade salad dressing is naturally gluten free.

As always, check your ingredients label before mixing in prepackaged ingredients, but this is a great alternative to store-bought dressings that are not always gluten-free.

Is Vinaigrette Dressing Vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan. There are no animal byproducts used to make this.

Is Vinaigrette Dressing Fattening?

No, this salad dressing is not fattening.

While this recipe contains oil, which is calorie-dense, it is high in omega-3s and other essential nutrients.

When you make your own salad dressing, you control the ingredients and portion sizes which lets you keep fattening additives and fillers out of your food.

Does Vinaigrette Dressing Go Bad?

Yes, just like any dressing, this will eventually go bad.

Always check its appearance and smell if it has been in the fridge longer than 2 weeks, and discard if it develops an off odor or flavor.

Additional Salads You’ll Love…

• Daikon Salad
• Potato Asparagus Salad
• Kale Peach Salad
• Rhubarb Salad
• Raspberry Kiwi
• Cherry Tomato Salad
• Asian Chopped Salad
• Fumi Salad
• Chefs Salad
• Easy Greek Salad
• Southwestern Salad

Whether you have a simple salad that needs a light dressing or just want to make your own homemade dressing, the tangy flavors of this classic Vinaigrette Dressing will hit the spot.

It is sure to be your new go-to dressing.

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