Servings: 14
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Start to Finish Time: 15 minutes
Fool-Proof Vinaigrette: The Only Dressing You’ll Ever Need
Why You Need a Fool-Proof Vinaigrette in Your Kitchen
When it comes to creating a show-stopping salad, the secret isn’t just in the greens—it’s in the dressing. This fool-proof vinaigrette is more than a recipe; it’s a foundation. Whether you’re making a simple side salad or dressing up seasonal vegetables, this versatile vinaigrette will become your go-to.
The Perfect Blend of Tangy and Creamy
This vinaigrette strikes the ideal balance between tanginess and creaminess, thanks to the combination of wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of mayonnaise. The result? A luscious, well-emulsified dressing that clings beautifully to your greens, enhancing every bite with its bright and rich flavor profile.
Quality Ingredients Make All the Difference
With something as simple as a vinaigrette, using high-quality ingredients is key. Choose a wine vinegar that you love, whether it’s red wine, white wine, or champagne vinegar. The same goes for the olive oil—extra-virgin is essential for its fruity depth and smooth texture. These components ensure that even the most basic salad becomes restaurant-worthy.
Tips for Elevating Your Vinaigrette Game
To take your vinaigrette to the next level, consider these tips:
- Shallot Magic: Finely minced shallots add a subtle sweetness and depth that make this vinaigrette irresistible.
- Garlic Hint: Want a hint of garlic without overpowering the dressing? Simply rub the inside of your salad bowl with a clove of garlic before adding the greens. This trick infuses a delicate garlic essence into every leaf.
- Emulsification Essentials: Adding a small amount of mayonnaise helps stabilize the vinaigrette, keeping the oil and vinegar perfectly blended.
Serving Suggestions: Endless Possibilities
This vinaigrette is a true multitasker. It pairs well with any type of greens, from peppery arugula to tender butter lettuce. But don’t stop there—it also makes an excellent dressing for grain salads, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for crusty bread.
Make It Once, Love It Forever
Once you’ve tried this fool-proof vinaigrette, you’ll wonder how you ever made salads without it. It’s quick, easy, and infinitely adaptable, ensuring that every salad you serve is packed with flavor. Keep a batch on hand, and you’ll always be ready to whip up something delicious!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup wine vinegar (see TIPS)
1 medium shallot, very finely minced (2 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons mayonnaise, regular or light
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
Combine vinegar, shallot, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper to taste in small nonreactive bowl (metal). Whisk until mixture is milky in appearance and no lumps of mayonnaise remain.
Place oil in small measuring cup so that it is easy to pour. Whisking constantly, very slowly drizzle oil into vinegar mixture. If pools of oil are gathering on surface as you whisk, stop addition of oil and whisk mixture well to combine, then resume whisking in oil in slow stream. Vinaigrette should be glossy and lightly thickened, with no pools of oil on its surface.
YIELD: 1 cup
TIP: Red wine, white wine, or champagne vinegar will work in this recipe; however, it is important to use high-quality ingredients.
TIP: For a hint of garlic flavor, rub the inside of the salad bowl with a clove of garlic before adding the lettuce.
SERVING SUGGESTION: This vinaigrette works with nearly any type of greens.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 106 Calories; 12g Fat (98.8% calories from fat); trace Protein; trace Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; trace Cholesterol; 96mg Sodium; trace Total Sugars; 0mcg Vitamin D; 1mg Calcium; trace Iron; 6mg Potassium; 2mg Phosphorus. Exchanges: .