Vinaigrette Recipe

Learn how to make this simple Vinaigrette Recipe with just six ingredients and five minutes! Ultra flavorful and preservative-free, dressing recipe is perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, marinades, and more!

 

There are a few pantry staples that I always like to have on hand, including this basic Vinaigrette Recipe. Homemade vinaigrette is one of the easiest kitchen staples you can make. Simply toss the ingredients in a jar, then whisk (or shake) them together, and you’re done! It’s really that simple.

We eat tons of green salads, especially in the spring and summer, so I make this salad dressing recipe at least once a week if not more. I prefer homemade dressings over store-bought ones because I can use fresh, healthy ingredients and avoid preservatives.

Of course, this super simple vinaigrette recipe is great for salads, but honestly, we drizzle it on everything! You can use it as a dressing, marinade, or dip – there are so many ways to enjoy this homemade vinaigrette.

Once you get the basic recipe down, you can get creative with it! I’ve made tons of variations of this vinaigrette recipe, and it always tastes great. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out my Clementine Salad Dressing or Chimichurri Sauce recipe!

Ingredients To Make Vinaigrette

• Acid — You can use either fresh lemon juice, white vinegar, red wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar – whichever you prefer! This dressing also works with balsamic vinegar.
• Oil —Extra-virgin olive oil is the base, so opt for one with a good flavor.
• Garlic — Very finely minced or crushed is best.
• Dijon mustard — This is important because it helps emulsify the dressing. If you don’t like whole-grain Dijon, try other varieties like honey mustard or spicy brown. Or, you can opt for a different emulsifier altogether, like honey, an egg yolk, or tahini.
• Seasonings — All you need is sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How To Make Vinaigrette

Combine:

• Add the garlic and whole-grain Dijon mustard to a mason jar or small bowl.
• Pour in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Whisk:

• Whisk or shake (with the lid on!) to combine.
• Then, slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil.

Taste:

• Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed.
• That’s it! Drizzle it on your favorite salad and enjoy this delicious homemade salad dressing!

How To Use Vinaigrette

This vinaigrette recipe pairs well with any salad, especially Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, feta or goat cheese. But I also love adding it to cooked rice or quinoa to give them a flavorful upgrade.

It’s delicious over roasted vegetables and I use it as an easy marinade on chicken, beef, seafood, and more as well!

And let’s not forget that fresh garlic bread with vinaigrette for dipping is the perfect appetizer!

Recipe Variations

Fresh herbs: If you have herbs on hand like fresh parsley, they make a great addition to this recipe! I especially love it with fresh thyme from our garden in the summer.

Add more flavor: Some other good add-ins include minced shallot, miso paste, anchovies, or roasted garlic. Vinaigrette is so easy to switch up based on what you’re pairing it with.

Make it creamy: Mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt to make the vinaigrette smooth and creamy.

How To Store Leftovers

This vinaigrette will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Plus, the beauty of making it in a mason jar is that you can store it right in the jar!

Keep in mind, that the dressing will separate in the fridge. So, be sure to shake it well before you use it.

Wanna taste more? I have plenty of salad recipes with homemade dressings to check out! I know you’ll love the creamy avocado dressing I make with this Simple Kale Salad. My Asparagus Greek Chopped Salad has a wonderful lemon vinaigrette that we drizzle on everything!