Vinaigrette, a classic salad dressing, made with everyday ingredients, like extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt and ground black pepper, among others.
Vinaigrette is a classic salad dressing, made with everyday, simple ingredients like oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. You can use it to make pretty much everything, not just salads.
There are so many versions of this recipe, and also so many ingredients you can add, like sweeteners, herbs, mustard, garlic, onion, among others. They're not basic ingredients, but they will make your vinaigrette taste even better.
This is my favorite combination, feel free to use what you want or have on hand, though. Some ingredients are optional, as you can read in the recipe box. The most important thing when making this recipe is the oil to vinegar ratio, which is 3 to 1.
Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice, but as long as you're using a non-refined oil is okay (avoid coconut oil, as it solidifies). Extra virgin oils are expensive, but they taste amazing and are much healthier, so it's totally worth it.
Vinaigrette can also be used to marinade tofu, to grill veggies, can be drizzled on sandwiches, over baked potatoes or even as a dip. The possibilities are endless.
If you don't eat oil, take a look at my Lemon Tahini Dressing, which is my favorite oil-free dressing in the whole world. Besides, it's made with just 5 ingredients in less than 5 minutes!
what ingredients do you need to make vinaigrette?
- Extra virgin olive oil - I’m Spanish, so I use extra virgin olive oil to make most of my dishes. However, any type of oil is okay. I always use extra virgin oils when possible because they’re healthier.
- Vinegar - I used balsamic vinegar, but any other type will do.
- Salt - I always use Himalayan pink salt. Any type of salt is okay, though.
- Ground black pepper - Fresh ground black pepper tastes best. However, I find store-bought ground black pepper more convenient and also easier to measure with a teaspoon.
- Garlic - I used fresh garlic, but garlic powder is also a good choice. Feel free to use other veggies like fresh onion, scallions or chives, or even garlic powder.
- Dijon mustard - Use any kind of mustard you have on hand.
- Maple syrup - I prefer liquid sweeteners for this recipe, and maple syrup is my favorite one. However, any type of sweetener will do, and also you can omit this ingredient if you want.
- Italian seasoning - I make my own Italian seasoning at home, but store-bought is okay. Any other dried herb like oregano or basil will do as well.
tips for making vinaigrette
- Feel free to add any spices and herbs you have on hand.
- Fresh herbs also work great, but the dried ones last longer.
- Vinaigrette can also be made using lemon juice instead of vinegar.
- If your vinaigrette solidifies in the fridge and you're in a hurry, microwave very briefly, about 20 seconds, to liquify the oil again.
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📖 Recipe
Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup vinegar of your choice, I used balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional ingredients:
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or any other dried herb like oregano or basil
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a jar, top with the lid and shake until the ingredients are completely mixed together. You can also add them to a small bowl and mix with a fork or a whisk until well combined.
- Use immediately or keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. Shake before using. If your vinaigrette solidifies in the fridge, just let it rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes.
Lisa says
I went gluten-free vegan almost 4 weeks ago and have made this super simple, super delicious recipe 3 or 4 times since. I add all of the add-in's you suggest every time. It's absolutely my favorite dressing and I'm sure I'll be making it at least once a week! Thank you for sharing this scrumdidlyumptious recipe!
Iosune says
Hi Lisa! So glad you liked it 🙂
Jennie says
This is the best dressing ever! Thanks!
Iosune says
Hi Jennie! Thanks a lot, so glad you liked it 🙂
mariannemucklin1963@gmail.com says
So Simple and Easy to add to for pasta salad oh yeah I will make this all the time and change it depending on what kind of salad YUMMY 💜
Iosune Robles says
Hi! Thanks for your kind words 🙂