Best 2 Basic French Vinaigrette Recipes

**Discover the Simplicity and Versatility of Basic French Vinaigrette: A Culinary Journey Through 8 Flavorful Recipes**

Embark on a culinary adventure with our basic French vinaigrette, a versatile dressing that elevates any salad or dish with its harmonious blend of flavors. This classic dressing, originating from the heart of French cuisine, is a symphony of tangy vinegar, rich olive oil, and a hint of herbs and spices. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dressing that adds a burst of freshness and zest to your favorite salads, grilled vegetables, or even as a marinade for meats. Explore our collection of eight diverse vinaigrette recipes, each offering a unique twist on the classic formula. From the classic Dijon vinaigrette to the zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, our recipes cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Let your creativity shine as you experiment with different vinegars, oils, and herbs to craft a vinaigrette that perfectly complements your culinary creations. Join us on this flavorful journey as we delve into the world of basic French vinaigrette and unlock its endless possibilities.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

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

Ingredients

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.

BASIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE

Basic French Vinaigrette image

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

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

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.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Start with the best ingredients you can find, including a flavorful extra-virgin olive oil, a good-quality red or white wine vinegar, and fresh herbs.
Adjust the ratio of oil to vinegar to taste: The classic ratio is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, but you can adjust it to your liking. For a more tart vinaigrette, use more vinegar. For a richer vinaigrette, use more oil.
Add some Dijon mustard for extra flavor: Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the vinaigrette and adds a bit of tang.
Use fresh herbs for a pop of flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, tarragon, or thyme add a delicious flavor to vinaigrette.
Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper: Don't forget to season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the vinaigrette rest for a bit before using: This allows the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

A basic French vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of salads, vegetables, and even meat. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious vinaigrette that will enhance any dish.