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Easy Restaurant-Style Vinaigrette Recipe for Perfect Fresh Salads

easy restaurant-style vinaigrette recipe - featured image

A quick and simple vinaigrette recipe that delivers a perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and a silky texture, ideal for fresh salads and versatile enough for various dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced or grated
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or tarragon)
  • Optional: lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Mince or grate 1 small clove of garlic finely.
  2. In a jar or bowl, combine 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to start emulsification.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Slowly drizzle in ½ cup extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously, or add all at once and shake vigorously for about 1 minute until pale and creamy.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and any optional fresh herbs. Give a final stir or shake to distribute evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for acidity, or a little water to thin if needed.
  7. Pour about 2 tablespoons per salad serving over greens and toss gently but thoroughly.

Notes

Add olive oil slowly while whisking or shake vigorously for proper emulsification to achieve a creamy texture. Let vinaigrette rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to deepen flavors. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week; shake before use if separated. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for vegan option. Adjust vinegar type and amount to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: vinaigrette, salad dressing, easy vinaigrette, restaurant-style dressing, olive oil dressing, quick salad dressing, homemade vinaigrette