Best 7 Simple Vinaigrette Recipes

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**Vinaigrette: A Versatile Dressing for Salads, Marinades, and More**

Vinaigrette is a classic French dressing made with oil, vinegar, and seasonings. It is a versatile condiment that can be used on salads, vegetables, meat, and fish. It can also be used as a marinade or dipping sauce. Vinaigrette is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal taste. This article provides recipes for three basic vinaigrettes: a classic vinaigrette, a lemon-herb vinaigrette, and a honey-mustard vinaigrette. Each recipe includes variations so you can customize the dressing to your liking. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and flavorful vinaigrette that will enhance any dish.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SIMPLE VINAIGRETTE



Simple Vinaigrette image

We followed the standard 3-to-1 oil-to-vinegar ratio for this super simple vinaigrette. For variety, add your favorite dried or chopped fresh herbs. Make a batch at the beginning of the week, and toss a few tablespoons with fresh greens for a quick weeknight salad. But remember that vinaigrette isn't just for salad: You can also use it as a quick sauce for fish or grilled chicken.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     condiment

Time 5m

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4 cup white, red or aged sherry vinegar
2 to 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Set a medium bowl on a kitchen towel shaped like an "O" (this helps keep the bowl steady while whisking). Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, garlic, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper in the bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is combined and blended well. Use right away, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

SIMPLE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette image

An easy and delicious vinaigrette inspired by Emeril Lagasse. I switched it up to make it to our liking. I sometimes add OR eliminate the brown sugar and/or Dijon (depending on what I am using it for at that time). Taste the vinaigrette BEFORE adding any optional ingredients. Some people may choose not to use either, which is just fine. It all depends on your taste. Feel free to switch it up a bit and leave a note saying what you've changed. I hope you enjoy this versatile recipe.

Provided by rosie316

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 10m

Yield 3/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 -2 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, to taste)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, to taste)
1 -2 garlic clove (minced, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4-1/2 cup olive oil (more or less to preference)

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar with salt, pepper, garlic, Dijon and/or sugar (if using) until all is dissolved. Taste BEFORE using either one or both of the optional ingredients.
  • Very slowly start to drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to vigorously whisk.
  • Use immediately on your favourite salad of mixed greens and enjoy.
  • *Note: Store unused vinaigrette in a screw top jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. (I usually make a double batch to always have some handy, so when I'm in the mood for a salad, I don't have to bother making the dressing). Shake well before each use.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 748.9, Fat 72.3, SaturatedFat 10, Sodium 1649.7, Carbohydrate 23.1, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 18.8, Protein 1.1

SIMPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE



Simple Cider Vinaigrette image

Came across this recipe in July's Alive magazine, who needs bottled dressing when you can put this together in a matter of a few minutes. This pairs nicely with quinoa salad or any crisp green salad.

Provided by magpie diner

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
black pepper, freshly ground
1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup, pure
5 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Using a small blender such as a magic bullet or a stick blender, mix everything together except for the oil.
  • Continue blending as you slowly drizzle in the oil, in a steady slow stream.
  • Season with additional S&P if you like.

TOSSED SALAD WITH SIMPLE VINAIGRETTE



Tossed Salad with Simple Vinaigrette image

This simple salad has a light, fresh, flavor. Friends who eat this salad for the first time in my home ask for the recipe.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1-1/2 cups torn leaf lettuce
1/3 cup thinly sliced peeled cucumber
1/4 cup chopped seeded tomato
2 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 green onion, sliced
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
Dash each salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumber, tomato, basil and onion. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Pour over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 48 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 88mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SIMPLE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     condiment

Time 10m

Yield about 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar, optional* (See Cook's Note)
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup olive oil
Mesclun salad mix or favorite greens, for accompaniment
Assortment of salad ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, chopped carrots, sliced red onion, chopped celery, diced cucumbers, walnuts
Blue cheese, for garnish
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar, optional* (See Cook's Note)
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup olive oil
Mesclun salad mix or favorite greens, for accompaniment
Assortment of salad ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, chopped carrots, sliced red onion, chopped celery, diced cucumbers, walnuts
Blue cheese, for garnish

Steps:

  • Beat the vinegar in a bowl with the optional sugar, garlic, salt and pepper until sugar and salt dissolves. Then beat in the oil by droplets, whisking constantly. (Or place all the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake to combine.) Taste and adjust the seasonings.
  • Toss a few tablespoons of the dressing with the salad mix and desired salad ingredients, top with blue cheese and serve immediately.
  • If not using dressing right away, cover and refrigerate, whisking or shaking again before use.
  • Beat the vinegar in a bowl with the optional sugar, garlic, salt and pepper until sugar and salt dissolves. Then beat in the oil by droplets, whisking constantly. (Or place all the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake to combine.) Taste and adjust the seasonings.
  • Toss a few tablespoons of the dressing with the salad mix and desired salad ingredients, top with blue cheese and serve immediately.
  • If not using dressing right away, cover and refrigerate, whisking or shaking again before use.

SIMPLE DIJON VINAIGRETTE



Simple Dijon Vinaigrette image

This is great over a nice fresh green salad. It's easy to put together and the ingredients are ones that you would usually have on hand. We don't like a lot of dressing so this would serve 4 for us. If you like more, this may serve 2. Enjoy!

Provided by Nif_H

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 3m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pinch sugar
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, mini blender or mini food processor, whisk or blend Dijon and vinegar until smooth. Add oil, sugar, salt and pepper and mix until completely emulsified. Taste and add more sugar, salt or pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 92.7, Fat 10.3, SaturatedFat 1.4, Sodium 43.1, Carbohydrate 0.2, Fiber 0.1, Protein 0.2

ROASTED BELL PEPPERS WITH SIMPLE VINAIGRETTE



Roasted Bell Peppers with Simple Vinaigrette image

As the name implies, roasted bell peppers married to a simple red wine and garlic vinaigrette. Lovely on sandwiches, tossed into a salad, etc.

Provided by Litegal1

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

Time 2h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 red bell peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon capers, drained and rinsed

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
  • Place the bell peppers onto a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven until the skins are nicely blackened, about 30 minutes. Turn the peppers once halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once blackened, place the peppers into a bowl, cover with foil, and allow to steam 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, and capers in a bowl; set aside.
  • Once the peppers have finished steaming, remove and discard the stems, skins, and seeds. Cut the peppers into quarters and stir into the vinaigrette. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 50.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.1 g, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 0.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 44.3 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Oil: Opt for high-quality, flavorful oils like extra-virgin olive oil, walnut oil, or avocado oil. These oils impart distinct flavors and health benefits to your vinaigrette.
  • Balance Acidity and Sweetness: Use citrus juices like lemon, lime, or orange juice for a refreshing acidity. Introduce a touch of sweetness with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to round out the flavors.
  • Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Add chopped herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, or dill to enhance the vinaigrette's aroma and flavor profile. Herbs bring a vibrant freshness and depth of taste to the dressing.
  • Add Some Spice: Experiment with spices like black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika to elevate the vinaigrette's taste. Spices bring warmth, complexity, and a touch of heat to the dressing.
  • Emulsify Properly: Ensure the oil and vinegar are thoroughly emulsified to achieve a smooth and cohesive dressing. Whisk vigorously or use a blender to create a stable emulsion.
  • Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the vinaigrette and make adjustments to the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs until you achieve your desired flavor balance.

Conclusion:

With its versatility and ease of preparation, a simple vinaigrette is a culinary staple that can transform any salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled protein into a delightful dish. Whether you prefer a classic lemon-based dressing or a more adventurous herb-infused vinaigrette, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different flavor combinations, experiment with different oils and vinegars, and discover the endless possibilities of this versatile condiment. So next time you're looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your meals, whip up a simple vinaigrette and experience the magic of fresh, flavorful dressing.

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