Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe: A Simple, Flavorful Dressing
Looking for a quick and easy way to elevate your salads and other dishes? Look no further than this classic Dijon vinaigrette recipe. This versatile dressing is perfect for everything from simple green salads to roasted vegetables and grilled meats. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few pantry staples, and the flavor is bright, tangy, and satisfying. This recipe is fully customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your liking.
Ingredients for the Perfect Dijon Vinaigrette
This recipe provides a perfect balance of flavors, but feel free to experiment!
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: The star of the show! Look for a good quality Dijon mustard for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Adds a sharp, acidic bite that complements the mustard beautifully. You can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste profile.
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness and healthy fats. Choose a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. Omit if you prefer a less sweet vinaigrette.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Don't be shy with the pepper!
- 1 teaspoon shallot, minced (optional): Adds a subtle oniony flavor. Garlic can also be used as an alternative or in addition.
- 1 teaspoon fresh herbs (optional): A touch of fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, or tarragon, can brighten up the dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Dijon Vinaigrette
This recipe is incredibly simple, making it perfect for even the busiest cooks!
- Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), shallot (if using), and herbs (if using).
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil: While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This emulsifies the dressing, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. A whisk is important, as this allows proper emulsification.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more vinegar for extra tang or honey for more sweetness.
- Serve immediately or store: This vinaigrette is best served fresh. However, you can store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips and Variations for Your Dijon Vinaigrette
- Make it creamy: Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Get creative with herbs: Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite combination.
- Use different vinegars: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are great alternatives. Even balsamic vinegar would provide an interesting twist.
- Add other ingredients: Experiment with adding things like grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or even a small amount of finely chopped roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture.
This simple Dijon vinaigrette recipe is a must-have in your culinary arsenal. Its versatility makes it perfect for a wide variety of dishes, and its ease of preparation means you can always have a delicious and healthy dressing on hand. Enjoy!
