The zing of a homemade dijon vinaigrette dressing can elevate even the most mundane of salads to gourmet status. Picture this: a crisp garden salad, vibrant with greens and bursting with colors, all topped with a creamy, tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you whisk together simple ingredients to create something so deliciously satisfying.
I still remember the first time I made my own dijon vinaigrette dressing. It was during a dinner party where I was trying to impress my friends with my culinary skills. Spoiler alert: they were impressed! This dressing is perfect for those moments when you want to feel like a gourmet chef without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dijon vinaigrette dressing is incredibly easy to whip up, taking just minutes
- The flavor profile combines tangy, savory notes that enhance any dish beautifully
- Its vibrant color and silky texture make every salad look Instagram-ready
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for drizzling over roasted veggies or marinating meats
I once made this dressing for a picnic, and my friends couldn’t stop talking about it. They practically licked their plates clean.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Dijon Mustard: Opt for smooth Dijon for that perfect balance of tang and creaminess.
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Red Wine Vinegar: A splash adds depth; choose high-quality vinegar for better flavor.
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a fruity variety to enhance the dressing’s richness.
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Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweetness balances the acidity; adjust based on personal preference.
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Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper elevates the flavor profile significantly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Set out all your ingredients on a clean countertop—this way, you won’t have to search mid-recipe like a frantic treasure hunter looking for gold.
Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Give it a good whisk until well blended and smooth—like you’re channeling your inner chef.
Add Olive Oil Gradually: Slowly drizzle in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously. This will create an emulsion that makes your vinaigrette creamy and delicious—don’t be shy; whisk like you mean it!
Season It Right: Taste your creation before adding salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning as desired; sometimes, it takes just a pinch to make magic happen.
Store or Serve Immediately: If you’re not using the vinaigrette right away, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Just remember to give it a good shake before serving—it may settle like you after a long day at work.
Making this dijon vinaigrette dressing is not just about mixing ingredients; it’s about creating an experience that enhances every bite of your meal!
You Must Know
- This dijon vinaigrette dressing is a game changer for salads and marinades
- It’s simple yet offers a vibrant burst of flavor that elevates any dish
- The tangy aroma and smooth texture bring a delightful zing, making mealtime feel special every time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, whip up your dijon vinaigrette dressing before preparing your salad. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you chop veggies or grill proteins.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your dijon vinaigrette dressing by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a hint of honey for sweetness. Experiment and find your favorite combination.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover dijon vinaigrette dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good shake before using, as ingredients may separate over time.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure the perfect dijon vinaigrette dressing, remember to start with quality ingredients for the best flavor
- Adjust acidity levels by balancing vinegar and oil to suit your taste preferences
- If it’s too tart, add a pinch of sugar or honey
Creating this dressing reminds me of that one dinner party where I accidentally spilled half the bottle on my favorite shirt! Guests were laughing so hard, they didn’t even notice the food was slightly under-seasoned – but they raved about the vinaigrette!
FAQ
What can I use dijon vinaigrette dressing on?
This dressing works wonders on salads, roasted vegetables, and even as a marinade for chicken.
How long does homemade dijon vinaigrette dressing last?
When stored properly in the fridge, it lasts about one week before losing freshness.
Can I make dijon vinaigrette dressing vegan?
Absolutely! All ingredients used are naturally vegan-friendly; just skip any honey if desired.
Homemade Dijon Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Transform your salads from ordinary to extraordinary with this quick and easy homemade Dijon vinaigrette dressing. With a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, this dressing enhances every bite, making it ideal for garden salads, roasted veggies, or as a marinade.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to create an emulsion.
- Taste and season with honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper as desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week; shake before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
