Best 10 French Vinaigrette Recipes

FRENCH BRAISED LEEKS WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cut the root end off the leeks, as well as the dark green stem end, leaving just the white and light green portion. Split them lengthwise and remove the outer two layers. Wash thoroughly under running water, being careful to rinse between layers to remove any grit. Shake off the excess water.
• Rub the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with the softened butter, then lay the leeks, cut side down, in the pan. They should fit snugly in one layer across the pan. Pour the wine and Chicken Stock over the leeks, sprinkle with salt and a little pepper, then cover with waxed paper or parchment (which will keep the tops of the leeks moist), and bring the liquid to a boil.
• Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. Use a small spatula or tongs to turn the leeks once, halfway through the cooking process. When cooked, the leeks should be completely tender and not stringy. Turn them over once more, so the outer layers are facing up. To test doneness, I usually just peel off one or two outer layers, the last to get cooked, and sample them (if they are the least bit tough, cook for another 5 minutes).
• Remove pan from the heat and cool. If there are more than 2 tablespoons of juices left in the pan, remove the leeks to a serving platter and reduce the juices to 2 tablespoons. Reserve juices for the Dijon vinaigrette.
• Pour the dressing over the leeks and let sit for at least 10 minutes. These leeks are wonderful served warm or cold, but I like them best at room temperature.
• Dijon Vinaigrette
• Whisk together the shallot, mustard, vinegar, and pan juices in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.

FRENCH VINAIGRETTE SALAD

Steps:

• In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the first seven ingredients; shake well. , In a large salad bowl, combine greens and vegetables. Drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately.

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.

ARTICHAUTS VINAIGRETTE (ARTICHOKES WITH FRENCH VINAIGRETTE)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Simmer artichokes in the boiling water until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain.
• Mix vinegar, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Whisk in olive oil in a slow, steady stream until vinaigrette is blended.
• Start by eating the artichoke leaves dipped in the vinaigrette. Discard small leaves and gently scrape fuzzy choke from the hearts. Fill the hearts with vinaigrette and slice.

FRENCH VINAIGRETTE WITH HARD-BOILED EGG

Steps:

• In a bowl whisk together the mustard, the vinegar, and salt to taste, add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the vinaigrette until it is emulsified. Stir in the parsley. Halve the egg lengthwise, reserving one half for another use, force the remaining half through a coarse sieve into the bowl, and stir the vinaigrette until it is combined well.

FRENCH WALNUT OIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients.
• Shake and enjoy! A little goes a long way.

CLASSIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, sugar and seasonings together. Drizzle in the olive oil and continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly. You may use an immersion blender if you prefer.
• If you refrigerate the dressing, bring it to room temperature and whisk (or shake well) before serving.

FRENCH VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix together the salt, vinegar, and shallot. Let stand for about 10 minutes.
• Whisk in the Dijon mustard and olive oil.
• Taste. If too sharp, add more olive oil and salt.

GARLIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan boil the garlic in 2 inches water for 15 minutes, or until it is tender, and drain it.
• In a bowl mash the garlic to a paste and whisk in the cream, the mustard, the lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste, whisking until the mixture is thickened slightly.
• Add the oil, drop by drop, whisking, and whisk the vinaigrette until it is emulsified.

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.