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8 Reasons Why You Should Make Vinaigrette

Do you know how to make vinaigrette from scratch? It’s one of the most basic and classic things you can make at home. I’m going to share 8 reasons why you should make vinaigrette at home and how to do it.

Folks who attended my cooking classes over the years know that I am adamant about making homemade vinaigrette. I have not bought a bottle of dressing in the grocery store in years.

I used to keep a bottle of ranch dressing in the fridge because our kids loved it for dipping veggies and fries. If it encouraged them to eat veggies, I was fine with it.

First, what is a vinaigrette? It’s one of the mother sauces (yes, technically, it’s a sauce), generally used to dress salad greens and other cold vegetables. Specifically, it’s a temporary emulsion, meaning it will separate if the ingredients are not whisked or shaken.

Although I learned how to make vinaigrette years before I went to culinary school, it was one of the first lessons demonstrated the first week. We used that lesson almost every week for two years.

Why are the French and chefs such fans of making homemade vinaigrette?  I’ll tell you why . . .

Why You Should Make Vinaigrette at Home

  • It tastes better.
  • It’s easy.
  • It’s fast.
  • It doesn’t contain added sugar.
  • You can control the amount of salt.
  • It’s cheaper.
  • You have more variety with fewer ingredients.
  • It doesn’t take up space in your refrigerator (and get messy on the shelf).

What Equipment Do You Need to Make a Vinaigrette? 

Not much.  Just 3 things:

What Ingredients Do You Need to Make a Vinaigrette?

At the very least, 4 essential ingredients:

  • acid ( no, not anything that would harm you)
  • fat
  • salt
  • pepper

So let’s talk about the acid. An acid is a natural ingredient that is sour, such as vinegar, wine, and citrus juices. The acid is what gives the vinaigrette pop, zip, spark. Without acidity your vinaigrette is flat and boring.

vinegars

Next is the fat, in the form of oil, preferably really good extra virgin olive oil. Canola oil is neutral and won’t impart much taste and olive oil just doesn’t have enough taste. Oil gives the vinaigrette a nice “mouth feel” and of course flavor.

TIP:  I keep my canola, olive oil, and extra virgin olive oils in plastic squeeze bottles for easy access and measuring.

olive oil in a squeeze bottle
olive oil in a bowl

Salt, preferably kosher or sea salt, is what gives vinaigrette (and any sauce) a spark. Without it, vinaigrette will taste flat.

Pepper gives vinaigrette a little spice, a little kick.

TIP: keep your salt and pepper out on the counter for easy use.

salt and pepper

How to Make Vinaigrette the Classic French Way

  • in a small bowl, place 1 tablespoon of finely diced shallot
chopped shallots
  • add 1 tablespoon acid of your choice
  • add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
  • pinch of kosher or sea salt
  • 1 or 2 grinds of freshly ground black pepper

Give a quick whisk and let sit for 5 – 10 minutes

making vinaigrette in a bowl

Drizzle into the bowl 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (or other oil of choice) and vigorously whisk to combine; taste the vinaigrette and season with more salt if necessary. It’s helpful to place a dish towel under the bowl to keep it still while you whisk.

NOTE: Vinaigrettes are made using a 1:3 ratio – 1 tablespoon acid to 3 tablespoons oil.

making vinaigrette in a bowl

Other Vinaigrette Options

  • substitute coarse ground mustard or honey mustard or another flavored mustard for the Dijon
  • vary the acid – this is the easiest option – pick from one of the following: red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, champagne vinegar, rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, blood orange vinegar, and of course, balsamic vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.  The choices in vinegar in today’s market are huge, so we should take advantage of the offerings.
  • instead of vinegar, use citrus, such as lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit.
  • try white or red wine or a combination of vinegar and citrus. Nothing “pops” a vinaigrette like a squeeze of lemon.
  • use a different oil: sesame, grapeseed, walnut, hazelnut, avocado
  • add fresh, chopped herbs: thyme, oregano, basil, dill, tarragon
  • spices, such as red pepper flakes, Tabasco, Sriracha, horseradish
  • minced garlic or ginger or cheese, such as hard or grated cheeses, such as Parmesan, Pecorino, Assiago or crumbled cheeses, such as feta, goat or Gorgonzola

Pretty simple, huh?  Yes, it is.

BIG TIP: If your vinaigrette tastes like it’s missing something, it’s either acid or salt. Try adding a few more drops of vinegar OR a small pinch of salt to the vinaigrette. Whisk and then taste again.

What are the extras that take vinaigrette to the next level?

  • Dijon mustard
  • shallots
  • herbs
  • spices

Why the extras?

Shallots, herbs and spices add flavor.  What you add and how much is personal preference. 

making vinaigrette in a bowl

Dijon mustard also adds flavor, but it has a second purpose: mustard acts as an emulsifier, a bonding agent, holding the acid and the fat together.

Maille (pronounced my) is my favorite.

jar of Dijon mustard

How long will vinaigrette last in the refrigerator?

Usually, I like to make just enough for the number of servings I need.  If you do have extra vinaigrette, put it in an airtight jar.  It should last for several days.  Shake to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Classic French Vinaigrette

This simple method to make a vinaigrette for the best classic flavor. Change the flavor depending on the acid used.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine French
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • 1 small whisk
  • 1 chef knife for dicing shallot
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon finely diced shallot
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar of choice or citrus juice, or wine
  • pinch kosher salt
  • 1-2 grinds freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Place the finely diced shallot in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar, citrus juice or wine. Add pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Allow to sit for 5 – 10 minutes.
  • Drizzle and whisk in 3 tablespoons of extra virgin oil to bowl until emulsified. Taste for seasoning. Add a small pinch of salt and more pepper, if desired.
Keyword homemade viniagrette, salad dressing, vinaigrette
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Drizzle the vinaigrette over your salad greens and gently toss with tongs.

tossed salad

Did this little lesson show you why you should make vinaigrette part of your culinary “toolbox”? Once you get used to making your own, you can say good-bye to the bottles in the fridge.

Think of the space you will free up, the money you will save, the lower calories, and the better tasting salads you will be serving.  It’s a win-win for everyone.

ONE MORE TIP: If your vinaigrette is too thick, drizzle a few drops of warm water into it and whisk until you get the consistency you want.

If you want some salad recipes, try 3 Amazing Salad to Love.

I hope this little cooking lesson on the 8 reasons why you should make vinaigrette at home will help you in the kitchen. I recommend PINNING this post so you have it handy.

pin for later graphic in blue
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10 Comments

    1. Sally, that’s a great question. For cooking, I buy different brands at our Central Market (It’s a gourmet grocery store in Texas.) I look for good quality, which means don’t buy the cheapest one on the shelf. For bread dipping or drizzling over vegetables, I’ll spend more for a more gourmet brand.

  1. I so agree with you Carol. My best dressings have been vinaigrettes. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm.
    xo Kathleen

  2. Most “you should be making this at home posts” normally make me want to buy the product in stores even more because it seems like so much work to make it at home. But I think I could actually do this! And I love vinaigrettes!

    Thanks so much for joining us on The Alder Collective! Pinning, and we hope to see you again this week!

    1. Kayla, after you get used to making your own vinaigrettes at home and discover how easy and versatile, not to mention less expensive and tasty, you’ll never go back. Let me know how it goes.

  3. Carol,
    Over the years I have tried to make a vinaigrette like the ones we’ve eaten in France. Mine just never taste as good as the French ones even when I used ingredients brought home from France… extra virgin olive oil, etc…

    I’ll follow you directions and give it another try. Thanks for all the great tips with variations.

    Judith

    1. Judith, Make sure you have the oil to acid ratio 3:1 and season with salt until it tastes right to you. Definitely add the Dijon. I’ve been using this method for years and I don’t even have to measure my oil and vinegar any more. Practice makes delicious!