Best 8 French Dressing Or Basic Vinaigrette Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, few dressings can match the versatility and flavor of a classic French dressing or basic vinaigrette. These culinary cornerstones transcend time and cuisine, effortlessly enhancing salads, sandwiches, and grilled meats with their tangy, herbaceous charm. With a symphony of flavors derived from pantry staples like olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, these dressings strike a perfect balance between acidity and richness.

This article presents two variations of this culinary classic: a traditional French dressing and a basic vinaigrette. The traditional French dressing, with its vibrant yellow hue, boasts a harmonious blend of olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, while the basic vinaigrette, in its minimalist elegance, features a simpler combination of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Both recipes offer a step-by-step guide, ensuring effortless preparation and consistent results.

Whether you prefer the classic French dressing, with its mustard-infused tang, or the basic vinaigrette, with its clean and versatile flavor profile, these recipes provide a culinary foundation for a myriad of dishes. Drizzle them over a crisp salad, use them as a marinade for grilled meats, or incorporate them into a flavorful dipping sauce – the possibilities are endless.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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.

CLASSIC VINAIGRETTE



Classic Vinaigrette image

Ditch the bottled stuff and whisk up a batch of this workhorse vinaigrette.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 5m

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 4

1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 to 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Whisk together the vinegar, mustard and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Whisk in a couple turns of freshly ground black pepper.

GREEN SALAD WITH THE ULTIMATE FRENCH VINAIGRETTE



Green Salad with the Ultimate French Vinaigrette image

Provided by Ina Garten Bio & Top Recipes

Categories     side-dish

Time 10m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 tablespoons Champagne or white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil
Salad greens or mesclun mix for 6 to 8 people

Steps:

  • In a two-cup glass measure, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly add the olive oil and continue whisking until the vinaigrette is emulsified. Toss the greens with enough dressing to moisten and serve.

OUR FAVORITE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Our Favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette image

This vinaigrette does not separate for at least 30 minutes once you shake it! Simple, sweet, and savory.

Provided by Singer6

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

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

½ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a glass jar with a lid. Replace lid on the jar and shake vigorously until thoroughly combined.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 132.8 calories, Carbohydrate 3.2 g, Fat 13.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 38 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

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

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.

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 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:

  • For a classic French Dressing or Basic Vinaigrette, use a 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar.
  • Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  • Use fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or basil, for extra flavor.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a brighter flavor.
  • Use a whisk or a fork to emulsify the dressing.
  • Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before using to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Store the dressing in a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion:

French Dressing or Basic Vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can be used on salads, vegetables, and even meat. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can have a delicious and healthy dressing that will elevate any dish. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your food, try making your own French Dressing or Basic Vinaigrette. You won't be disappointed!

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