The Easiest Dressing: Vinaigrette

Easy vinaigrette dressing is a very versatile, quick dressing recipe. Master the basic recipe and then modify it in any way that you want for not only salads, but also as a sauce or marinade for meats.

I grew up with salad-dressing-in-a-packet, so it’s no probably no wonder that I have since grown to despise pre-mixed dressings and sauces.

It’s so easy to make salad dressing (especially vinaigrette dressing) yourself!

The general rule is roughly 3 parts oil to one part acid (e.g., vinegar, lime, lemon, or orange juice), though I usually use a smaller ratio of oil to acid. Simply adjust to your own preference.

Some dressings add mustard, which imparts creaminess and tartness, while also acting as an emulsifier (it prevents the oil and vinegar from separating).

Assembling the vinaigrette dressing

I usually make this dressing in a bowl and whisk the ingredients together.

But the easiest salad-dressing strategy is to use a dedicated dressing jar (either a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a lidded squeeze bottle). I mark mine up with a Sharpie to show vinegar and oil “fill-to” lines. Then, all I have to do is throw in some salt, pepper, herbs, or whatever I’m in the mood for, and give it a few good shakes.

You can store your leftover dressing in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks—just be sure to bring it to room temperature before dinner: the oil solidifies when chilled. Always shake well before use.

Vinaigrette dressing: not just for salads

This easy vinaigrette dressing is versatile and certainly not limited to salads.

I have tossed any and all vegetables in this type of dressing after a quick steam; I’ve also used the dressing to marinate meat.

Below are a few of my favorite riffs: you’ll get the idea—then experiment on your own! For more ideas that will put your pantry staples to work, see Easy Pantry Meals – Living Out of Your Pantry (and refrigerator and freezer).

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Easy Vinaigrette Dressing

Yield: 6 -8

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Easy vinaigrette dressing is one of the most versatile dressings and you couldn't ask for an easier recipe. Master the basic recipe and then modify it in anyway that you want. I make this dressing on a weekly basis.

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Ingredients

Basic Red Wine or Balsamic Vinaigrette

• ¾ cup good-quality extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: fresh or dried herbs

Basic Mustardy Vinaigrette

• ¾ cup canola or grapeseed oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: fresh or dried herbs

Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

• ¾ cup canola or grapeseed oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ½ tbsp. Dijon mustard
• ½ tablespoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: fresh or dried herbs

Asian Sesame Dressing

• ¼ cup peanut oil
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon chili garlic sauce
• ½ teaspoon finely minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon finely minced ginger

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients for the dressing of your choice to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g