Best 11 Basic Vinaigrette Recipes

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING WITH 8 VARIATIONS

Steps:

• Shake all ingredients for your chosen variation together in a tightly-lidded container OR whisk together in a small bowl.
• Let stand 10 minutes to rehydrate dried herbs and blend flavors.
• Shake again then dress salad as desired.
• Note -- I recommend the lemon dressing on spinach.
• Note -- I recommend the Bacon Dressing, Mustard Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette on strong greens such as escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.
• Note -- The sweeter version of the mustard dressing is great for a vinegar coleslaw if you discover that you have accidentally gotten one of those occasional cabbages that are a touch on the bitter side.
• Note -- feel free to play with other seasonings, more complex blends, flavored oils, and flavored vinegars. Once you've learned the technique you can customize your salad dressing to suit just about any meal.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
• Slowly add oil, whisking until emulsified, or shake the ingredients in a jar, or whirl them in a blender.

GREEN SALAD WITH BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Clean lettuces by swishing them through a large bowl or sink filled with cool water. After you swish the greens, they will rise to the surface; the sand and sediment will fall to the bottom of the bowl or sink. Once the sand and sediment are washed away, lift greens from water and transfer to a salad spinner; spin until dry.
• Tear lettuces into bite-sized pieces. If you aren't going to use the greens immediately, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel, transfer to a plastic bag, and refrigerate.
• Next, make the vinaigrette. Combine vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar if using, in a small jar; shake to blend. Add oil, and shake again until emulsified.
• For best results, use four parts greens to one part dressing and three parts oil to one part acid (vinegar, citrus juice, or a combination of both).

FRENCH DRESSING OR BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl mix the vinegar and salt and let stand a few minutes. Add the pepper and slowly whisk in the oil. Taste for acid and salt and add more if too bland. Stir to blend before using, or store in a jar with a tight lid and shake well before using.
• Mustardy French Dressing.
• Add 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard. Blend well. Include onion and garlic, if desired.
• Onion or Garlic French Dressing.
• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons minced onion, scallions, or shallots or 1/2-1 teaspoon minced garlic.
• French Dressing with Fresh Herbs.
• Add 2 teaspoons fresh chopped herbs, such as basil, chervil or tarragon.
• Curried French Dressing.
• Add 1 teaspoon curry powder and blend well.
• Cream French Dressing.
• Add 3 tablespoons heavy cream or sour cream and blend well.
• Fruit Salad French Dressing.
• Use lemon juice instead of vinegar and add 1/3 cup honey. Blend well.
• Blue Cheese Dressing.
• Add 3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese. Blend well.
• Cumberland Dressing.
• Add 1 tablespoon heavy cream, 1 tablespoon currant jelly, and 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind. Mix until well blended.
• Chiffonade Dressing.
• Add 1 tablespoon minced parsley, 2 tablespoons minced red pepper, 1 tablespoon minced onion, and 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped fine. Blend all ingredients well.

BASIC SWISS SALAD DRESSING/VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• 1. Mix all the ingredients well. You may add some (cut) onion, garlic, spices or herbs to your liking.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Pour vinegar into a shallow bowl. Whisk in salt.
• Gradually whisk in olive oil. Adding it slowly will help the dressing emulsify. Whisk in the mustard, if using.
• Add a few grinds of black pepper and taste. Add more of whatever you think it needs, a bit at a time. (Too tart? Add oil. Too bland? Add salt and vinegar.)

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the vinegar, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl until combined. Slowly drizzle in the oil in a steady stream, whisking constantly, until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. (If you're using a vinegar high in acid, you might need to add a little more oil to taste.) Refrigerate any leftovers.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except shallot in a blender and turn on machine; a creamy emulsion will form within 30 seconds. Taste and add vinegar a teaspoon or two at a time until balance tastes right to you.
• Add shallot, if using, and turn machine on and off a few times until shallot is minced within dressing. Taste, adjust seasoning and serve. (This will keep, refrigerated, for a few days.)

BASIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the shallots, vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; let the mixture stand 10 minutes. Whisk in the mustard, then add the oil in a very slow, thin, steady stream, whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified. Season with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. DO AHEAD: The vinaigrette can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 1 week.

THE BASIC PERFECT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• 1. Mix all together in a lid fitted jar and shake vigorously until emulsified.
• 2. Now comes the fun. Use other oils. Use any acidic substitute for regular vinegar. Popular choices are rice wine, white wine, red wine, balsamic, lemon, lime, orange juices. With the lighter acidic choices such as rice wine and lemon, you might want to change the ratio from 4:1 to 3:1
• 3. Eliminate the shallot, use green onion, or chopped chives. Add parsley, marjoram, or lemon balm. Add 1 tbsp of mayo for a creamy vinaigrette. Add honey for a sweet version. Add oven roasted dried tomatoes, or hot peppers minced.Fresh ginger, or perhaps cumin seed or smokey paprika. Mix and match to suit your salad. Pour over roasted veggies, potatoes, and cold or hot pasta. The possibilities are endless.
• 4. To make smaller amounts, just keep the ratio. For instance: use 4 tsp to 1 tsp, and have enough for a single salad.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING WITH VARIATIONS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in oil.Or, combine vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a covered jar and shake vigorously until well combined add oil and shake until blended.Note: Proportions of ingredients can be varied to suit your taste.Variations:1. One clove minced garlic added to the basic dressing or any of the variations gives a robust flavor. Or, add a crushed clove of garlic and allow dressing to stand for an hour or more. Remove garlic just before serving.2. One tablespoon minced shallot or green onion is a delicious addition for serving over mixed greens or citrus fruits.3. Fresh or dried herbs added in proportions you want give an opportunity to experiment. Fresh minced parsley, chives, basil or mint are some suggestions... Start with 1 tablespoon. Use 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried Italian herb seasoning or dill weed for a different flavor.4. Toasted sesame seeds add an interesting flavor to the basic dressing. Try adding 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 1 teaspoon soy sauce and toss with strips of cooked meats or cheese.5. For a French Dressing, add 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sugar to the basic dressing.