Best 11 French Dressing Or Basic Vinaigrette Recipes

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French dressing, also known as basic vinaigrette, is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate the taste of salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Mastering the art of making a perfect French dressing involves understanding the balance of its key ingredients: oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. With a few simple steps and a bit of experimentation, you can create a homemade French dressing that is both delicious and customizable to your taste preferences. This article will guide you through the process of making a classic French dressing, providing tips on choosing the right ingredients and achieving the ideal consistency. Get ready to create a dressing that will add a touch of French elegance to your culinary creations!

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE



Classic French Vinaigrette image

Simple, bright flavors are the hallmark of this vinaigrette. Toss it with tender, leafy greens and serve as a light side salad.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Cuisine-Inspired Recipes     French Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 shallot, minced
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Generous pinch of salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine in a large bowl or jar the shallot, Dijon mustard, salt, lemon juice, and red-wine vinegar. Whisk together to combine well. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Store jar in refrigerator if making ahead and shake well before using.
  • Serve with 2 large heads Bibb, butter, or romaine lettuce that has been washed and dried well. Tear lettuce leaves into bite-size pieces and toss with dressing.

FRENCH SALAD DRESSING (FRENCH VINAIGRETTE)



French Salad Dressing (French Vinaigrette) image

A classic everyone should know! Served the true French way, drizzle it over leafy greens and toss lightly. PS A classic French vinaigrette does not have garlic in it, hence why this can be kept for up to 2 weeks.

Provided by Nagi | RecipeTin Eats

Categories     Salad

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup eschalots / French shallots (, finely chopped (Note 1))
1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar ((or sherry or champagne vinegar))
4 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil ((or more if you want richer))
1/2 tsp salt
Black pepper
1 tbsp eschalots / French shallots (, finely chopped (Note 1))
1 tbsp red or white wine vinegar ((or sherry or champagne vinegar))
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
2 tbsp olive oil ((I use 5 tbsp))
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Place ingredients in a jar and shake well until combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Let rest for 5 minutes before using, or keep up to 2 weeks.
  • Small Batch: Use to dress 4 handfuls of leafy greens.

BASIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE



Basic French Vinaigrette image

Provided by Kemp Minifie

Categories     No-Cook     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Salad Dressing     Vegan     Shallot

Yield Makes about 1/2 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
2 tablespoons red- or white-wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
4 to 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING WITH 8 VARIATIONS



Basic Vinaigrette Dressing With 8 Variations image

Bottled salad dressing can be convenient but its expensive and often full of salt, sugar, and chemical additives. Making your own is simple and allows you to customize the seasonings to suit whatever meal you are preparing. The amounts given make about 1/4 cup and can be expanded infinitely for larger salads. It can be made several days ahead and kept in the fridge. Sorry about the slightly odd way of putting the ingredients for the creamy dressing variations. The recipe editor is picky about what it will accept.

Provided by 3KillerBs

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 1/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 34

3 tablespoons oil (I prefer extra-virgin olive oil)
2 tablespoons vinegar (white, cider, wine, ..., not balsamic)
salt
black pepper (I prefer fresh-ground)
basic vinaigrette (use EVOO and red wine vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
basic vinaigrette (use canola or corn oil and cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon crumbled bacon
1/2 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 pinch celery seed (optional)
1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard (optional)
1 -3 teaspoon brown sugar or 1 -3 teaspoon another sweetener, to taste
italian vinaigrette
1 teaspoon prepared mustard (I recommend Dijon or spicy brown)
1 -3 teaspoon honey (optional) or 1 -3 teaspoon another sweetener, to taste (optional)
basic vinaigrette
2 -3 tablespoons sour cream or 2 -3 tablespoons plain yogurt
basic creamy vinaigrette dressing
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
basic creamy vinaigrette dressing
1 garlic clove, put through press
fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch italian seasoning (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil (I prefer extra-virgin)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons oil (I prefer extra-virgin olive oil)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pinch italian seasoning (optional)

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.

MARTHA'S FAVORITE VINAIGRETTE



Martha's Favorite Vinaigrette image

This easy vinaigrette is made with a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together with just a few shakes of a mason jar! The possibilities using this versatile dressing go way beyond the salad bowl; it's also great for drizzling over dishes like rice pilaf, steamed green beans, and even mains like baked chicken or fish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 5m

Yield Makes 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/4 cup white wine or rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch of granulated sugar
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Place all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Secure lid and shake vigorously until thickened. Refrigerate up to 3 days (shake vigorously before each use.)

CLASSIC VINAIGRETTE



Classic vinaigrette image

This classic dressing is easy to make at home, and stores in the jar for up to a week

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Buffet, Condiment, Dinner, Lunch, Side dish, Snack, Supper

Time 5m

Yield Easily doubled

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
6 tbsp light olive oil

Steps:

  • Put the mustard, vinegar and olive oil in a jar and season. Shake vigorously to mix. Store in a cool place (not the fridge) until ready to use. Use for all your salads or try one of our recipes, right. Vinaigrette will keep for a week.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 102 calories, Fat 11 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, Sodium 0.29 milligram of sodium

GRANDMA'S FRENCH DRESSING



Grandma's French Dressing image

My granny used to make this recipe all the time, she passed it on to my mom, and now it's my turn to make it!

Provided by SPATULA

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     French Dressing Recipes

Time 5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

¾ cup vegetable oil
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, halved
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground dry mustard
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
⅛ teaspoon dried tarragon
¼ cup white wine vinegar

Steps:

  • In a jar with a lid, add oil, Worcestershire, garlic, salt, paprika, mustard, pepper, thyme, tarragon and vinegar. Cover and shake well. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183.3 calories, Carbohydrate 0.4 g, Fat 20.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 295.1 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

FRENCH DRESSING OR BASIC VINAIGRETTE



French Dressing or Basic Vinaigrette image

Provided by Marion Cunningham

Categories     Quick & Easy     Salad Dressing

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil

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.

THE BEST VINAIGRETTE IN THE WORLD EVER, EVER



The Best Vinaigrette in the World Ever, Ever image

Make and share this The Best Vinaigrette in the World Ever, Ever recipe from Food.com.

Provided by English_Rose

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 40m

Yield 2/3 cup

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 garlic clove, crushed
1 teaspoon French mustard
1 teaspoon coarse grain mustard
1 teaspoon honey
7 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Steps:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a jam jar, make sure the lid is on tightly, and shake the living daylights out of it.
  • Leave it to sit for at least half an hour before serving to allow the garlic to infuse.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1293.4, Fat 141.8, SaturatedFat 19.6, Sodium 1748.5, Carbohydrate 10.6, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 8.6, Protein 0.4

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING



Basic Vinaigrette Dressing image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Time 5m

Yield 1/2 cup

Number Of Ingredients 4

1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a plastic container or a small bowl mix the mustard and vinegar until the mustard is completely dissolved.
  • Add the olive oil and beat with a whisk or cover the container tightly and shake the mixture until the oil and vinegar are smoothly emulsified and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 181, UnsaturatedFat 17 grams, Carbohydrate 0 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 0 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 66 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams

FRENCH DRESSING



French dressing image

Spruce up a simple green salad with a French dressing. Made with olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and seasoning, it's quick and easy to make

Provided by Miriam Nice

Categories     Condiment

Time 5m

Yield Serves 2-3

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
a pinch of sugar

Steps:

  • Whisk the Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper together in a small bowl, or shake together in a jam jar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, Protein 0.1 grams protein, Sodium 0.09 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the vinegar and oil ratio to your taste. For a tangier dressing, use more vinegar. For a milder dressing, use more oil.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a brighter flavor.
  • Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add herbs and spices, such as Dijon mustard, garlic powder, or dried oregano, for extra flavor.
  • Use the dressing immediately or store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

French dressing, also known as basic vinaigrette, is a versatile and easy-to-make dressing that can be used on a variety of salads, vegetables, and grilled meats. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and flavorful dressing that will enhance the taste of your food. So next time you're looking for a simple and delicious salad dressing, give French dressing a try. You won't be disappointed!

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