Classic Vinaigrette
Simple French salad dressing with oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs. This versatile vinaigrette elevates any salad and keeps for weeks in the refrigerator.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Sauce
Cuisine French
Servings 12 servings (2 tbsp each)
Jar with lid or small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
For the Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 piece garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried herbs thyme, oregano, or herbes de Provence
- salt and black pepper to taste
In a jar with tight-fitting lid or small bowl, combine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper. The mustard acts as an emulsifier to help oil and vinegar blend together.
Add olive oil. Seal jar tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until well emulsified and slightly thickened. Alternatively, whisk rapidly in a bowl while slowly drizzling in oil. The dressing should look creamy and uniform, not separated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, vinegar for tang, or honey for sweetness. The classic ratio is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, but adjust to preference. Dressing should coat greens without being oily.
Use immediately or store in sealed jar in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Olive oil will solidify when cold, so let dressing sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before using, then shake well to re-emulsify.
Classic French ratio is 3:1 oil to acid - adjust to taste. For variations: swap vinegars (balsamic, sherry, champagne), add shallots instead of garlic, use lemon juice for lighter flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or tarragon. Make in larger batches to always have fresh dressing on hand. Great on green salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or as a marinade.
ALLERGEN INFORMATION: Naturally vegan and gluten-free when using gluten-free Dijon mustard. Contains no common allergens. Can substitute maple syrup for honey to keep it vegan. Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies. Keyword basic vinaigrette, Dijon vinaigrette, French dressing, homemade salad dressing, olive oil vinaigrette, salad dressing recipe, vinaigrette recipe