Homemade Vinaigrette

Prep Time:

Cook Time:

Makes:

About the Recipe

Homemade salads are a great way to take the chore out of eating healthy. Store-bought dressings, however, can drown out the benefits of leafy greens. Besides being highly adaptable, making your own dressing at home is easy, cost-effective, and can be made from staple ingredients.

Ingredients

Olive oil for your base
Vinegar of choice
Mustard for some flavor complexity and creaminess. Preferably Dijon but you can really use any type
Maple syrup or honey for a little sweetness that balances the vinegar
Salt and pepper
Garlic, shallot, herbs (optional)

Preparation

Combine ingredients and whisk together. Everyone's palate is different so once you give it a taste you can add more of whatever you think it needs. Too Tart? Add oil. Too bland? Add salt and vinegar. Not creamy enough? Add mustard or a touch of mayo or greek yogurt.

Flavor Variations

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, maple syrup.

Tangy, rich & slightly sweet; goes well with caprese salad, kale salad, & with berries

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Apple Cider Vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, maple syrup.

Neutral & goes with everything; use on spinach salad, quinoa salad, & roasted cauliflower salad

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Tangy vinegar, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic.

Goes well on a sweet potato salad, taco salad, with grilled corn or fish

Red Wine Vinaigrette

Red wine vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning

Tangy & works well on pasta salad and Mediterranean dishes

Sesame Miso Vinaigrette

Rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, miso paste, soy sauce, honey

Goes well with kale salad and Asian dishes

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Apple cider vinegar, olive oil, mashed strawberries, honey

Goes well with feta or goat cheese salads