Master Vinaigrette Salad Dressing: One Recipe, Multiple Possibilities
How to make a vinaigrette salad dressing and customize it to your liking. This master recipe may be used as a salad dressing or meat marinade.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 3 TB vinegar such as: red wine, apple cider, white wine, balsamic, OR lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for a neutral tasting oil
- 1/2 tsp salt to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper to taste
"Customize It" Options (choose one or multiple options, read the post above for more information):
- 1-2 TB tahini or Dijon Mustard
- 1/2-1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2-1 tsp dried herbs such as: basil, a salt-free herb mix, oregano, turmeric, herbs de provence*
- 1 garlic clove minced
Special Equipment:
- medium bowl or mason jar (or similar jar)
- mason jar or a similar jar with a lid for storage in the fridge
- whisk or simply use a fork to whisk the ingredients
Instructions
- Add the vinegar or lemon juice to a medium bowl, or a mason jar. Add the salt, pepper, and any desired custom options.
- Slowly add the olive oil, vigorously whisking as you pour the oil into the bowl. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined (30 seconds to 1 minute of whisking).
- Use the dressing immediately, or store in the fridge for about 7-14 days. If you used fresh ingredients (like fresh herbs), 7 days is my max. If you used shelf-stable ingredients (like vinegar and oil with some dried herbs), 14 days is my max. Use the dressing on salads or as a meat marinade (such as: chicken breasts) before cooking the meat. A vinaigrette is also lovely to drizzle over warm roasted veggies (after cooking).
Notes
*Alternatively, you can use fresh herbs in a vinaigrette dressing. Dill is particularly delicious, but any fresh herb will work depending on the flavor you wish to achieve. I recommend a couple of tablespoons when using fresh herbs.
Note: Salad dressing made with real olive oil will solidify in the fridge. To use the dressing, place the jar on the counter until liquid and then shake or whisk the ingredients. Or, place the jar in hot water until the ingredients return to a liquid state, then whisk ingredients or shake the jar.
Nutrition
Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 13mg | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Servings: 5 ounces
Calories: 213kcal