Vinaigrette Basics

Not just for salads, vinaigrettes can be used to marinate meat, seafood, and vegetables. Homemade salad dressing can range from a simple two ingredients to a more complex vinaigrette.

Vinaigrette foundation is three parts oil and one part vinegar. OR for extra pizazz do 2:1 oil to vinegar ratio. Whisk together and add a little Kosher salt. Finish with fresh ground pepper.

• Vinegars include: sherry, champagne, balsamic, red, white, or rice wine.
• Oil: for a mild base use grape seed, or use your best extra-virgin olive oil for grassier flavor.

Build up vinaigrette by adding a mustard, something sweet, spicy, an allium, and herbs. Use any of these combos:

• Mustard- use Dijon or grainy mustard.
• Sweet- honey, agave, or maple syrup.
• Allium- garlic, chives, or shallots
• Herbs- basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, dill, mint, rosemary, cilantro, and much more!
• Spice- paprika, red pepper flake, coriander, fennel, cumin, or poppy seeds.

*Let your taste buds guide you in ingredient amounts!