Best Basic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING WITH 8 VARIATIONS

Steps:

• Shake all ingredients for your chosen variation together in a tightly-lidded container OR whisk together in a small bowl.
• Let stand 10 minutes to rehydrate dried herbs and blend flavors.
• Shake again then dress salad as desired.
• Note -- I recommend the lemon dressing on spinach.
• Note -- I recommend the Bacon Dressing, Mustard Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette on strong greens such as escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.
• Note -- The sweeter version of the mustard dressing is great for a vinegar coleslaw if you discover that you have accidentally gotten one of those occasional cabbages that are a touch on the bitter side.
• Note -- feel free to play with other seasonings, more complex blends, flavored oils, and flavored vinegars. Once you've learned the technique you can customize your salad dressing to suit just about any meal.

BASIC SWISS SALAD DRESSING/VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• 1. Mix all the ingredients well. You may add some (cut) onion, garlic, spices or herbs to your liking.

FRENCH DRESSING OR BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl mix the vinegar and salt and let stand a few minutes. Add the pepper and slowly whisk in the oil. Taste for acid and salt and add more if too bland. Stir to blend before using, or store in a jar with a tight lid and shake well before using.
• Mustardy French Dressing.
• Add 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard. Blend well. Include onion and garlic, if desired.
• Onion or Garlic French Dressing.
• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons minced onion, scallions, or shallots or 1/2-1 teaspoon minced garlic.
• French Dressing with Fresh Herbs.
• Add 2 teaspoons fresh chopped herbs, such as basil, chervil or tarragon.
• Curried French Dressing.
• Add 1 teaspoon curry powder and blend well.
• Cream French Dressing.
• Add 3 tablespoons heavy cream or sour cream and blend well.
• Fruit Salad French Dressing.
• Use lemon juice instead of vinegar and add 1/3 cup honey. Blend well.
• Blue Cheese Dressing.
• Add 3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese. Blend well.
• Cumberland Dressing.
• Add 1 tablespoon heavy cream, 1 tablespoon currant jelly, and 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind. Mix until well blended.
• Chiffonade Dressing.
• Add 1 tablespoon minced parsley, 2 tablespoons minced red pepper, 1 tablespoon minced onion, and 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped fine. Blend all ingredients well.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

Steps:

• In a plastic container or a small bowl mix the mustard and vinegar until the mustard is completely dissolved.
• Add the olive oil and beat with a whisk or cover the container tightly and shake the mixture until the oil and vinegar are smoothly emulsified and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING WITH VARIATIONS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in oil.Or, combine vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a covered jar and shake vigorously until well combined add oil and shake until blended.Note: Proportions of ingredients can be varied to suit your taste.Variations:1. One clove minced garlic added to the basic dressing or any of the variations gives a robust flavor. Or, add a crushed clove of garlic and allow dressing to stand for an hour or more. Remove garlic just before serving.2. One tablespoon minced shallot or green onion is a delicious addition for serving over mixed greens or citrus fruits.3. Fresh or dried herbs added in proportions you want give an opportunity to experiment. Fresh minced parsley, chives, basil or mint are some suggestions... Start with 1 tablespoon. Use 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried Italian herb seasoning or dill weed for a different flavor.4. Toasted sesame seeds add an interesting flavor to the basic dressing. Try adding 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 1 teaspoon soy sauce and toss with strips of cooked meats or cheese.5. For a French Dressing, add 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sugar to the basic dressing.