Simple Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing (Viniagrette Recipe)

Name: Simple Dijon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ½ cup olive oil ((or garlic-infused olive oil)); ¼ cup white wine vinegar ((vegan if needed)); 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard ((vegan if needed)); 1 clove fresh garlic, pressed or minced; ½ teaspoon coarse salt ((or ¼ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste)); ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes ((optional))

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This simple dijon vinaigrette whips up in under 5 minutes and is full of fresh flavor. Use it to add a gentle, aromatic, acidic kick to simple salad recipes. Once you make your own simple dressing, it will quickly join your list of favorite recipes.

Vinaigrette in a bowl with a spoon sticking out and a salad nearby.

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Ingredients and Substitutions
Instructions
Variations
Storage
Tips
FAQ
Recipe

Ingredients and Substitutions

Extra virgin olive oil: Because there are so few, choosing premium ingredients can make all the difference. Find a good quality olive oil that will taste smooth and rich.
White wine vinegar: This vinegar is mild and delicate for a simple dressing. Substitute with red wine vinegar for a punchier and sweeter flavor, balsamic vinegar for an even sweeter version, or apple cider vinegar for a fruitier taste.
Dijon mustard: Using a bit of dijon helps add some balancing bitterness and emulsify the dressing (help it stay together without separating).
Fresh garlic: Adds pungent, aromatic flavor. Feel free to omit or use garlic-infused olive oil if you are sensitive to garlic.
Salt and pepper: I've opted for coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper, but you could opt for pink peppercorn for a subtler, fruitier flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add some red pepper flakes to taste for a bit of heat.

Instructions

1: Add all ingredients to a small bowl, pitcher, or jar.

2. Shake the jar or use a fork to briskly stir the dressing until it is well combined. Take a taste and make adjustments to your preference.

Drizzle your fresh-made salad dressing over your favorite salad greens. I love to serve up this dressing on my simple accompaniment salad with chopped cashews, finely diced red onion, and tart dried cherries!

Dijon vinaigrette on an accompniment salad.

Variations

This simple dressing base can easily be adapted to make plenty of custom homemade dressings for all your favorite salad recipes:

Swap out the white wine vinegar for another vinegar, lemon, or lime juice.
Replace the olive oil with your preferred oil, or add a combination of mayonnaise and oil for a creamier dressing.
Add other spices or herbs to the dressing.
Add some maple syrup or another liquid sweetener to mellow out the acidity.

Looking for something creamier? Try my creamy tahini lime dressing!

Storage

Make-ahead: Make this dressing up to 4 days before you intend to serve.

Store: This vinaigrette will last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Tips

When you taste your dressing, here are some things to consider: Not tangy enough? More vinegar. Not flavorful? More salt. Missing some heat? More black or red pepper.
A traditional vinaigrette recipe calls for less vinegar; however, I find that a 2:1 ratio of oil to vinegar is best with mild white wine vinegar. If you use a different acidic element, start with a couple of Tablespoons and adjust from there.
Eco tip: Making your own dressing means not only is it more delicious, but you also avoid purchasing a plastic bottle and excess dressing leading to food waste!

FAQ

Which vinegar is best for vinaigrette?

Typically, vinegars that lean on the sweeter, milder side are preferred for vinaigrette. This includes white wine, red wine, balsamic, apple cider, and rice vinegar. However, other kinds of vinegar can also be used for a punchier flavor.

What is the formula for vinaigrette dressing?

Typically, the ratio is 3:1 oil to vinegar. However, for the mildest kinds of vinegar, such as rice or white wine, many prefer a ratio of 2:1.

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