Basic Vinaigrette Dressing With Variations 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 VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the vinegar, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl until combined. Slowly drizzle in the oil in a steady stream, whisking constantly, until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. (If you're using a vinegar high in acid, you might need to add a little more oil to taste.) Refrigerate any leftovers.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE WITH VARIATIONS

Steps:

• Whisk the garlic cloves, mustard, vinegar, kosher salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
• While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify.
• Taste for salt and pepper.
• Variations:.
• Use any other vinegar you have, including red wine vinegar and balsamic.
• Leave out the garlic or add herbs as you like.
• Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and/or substitute lemon juice for the vinegar for a Greek-like dressing. I would leave out the mustard for this but the dressing will not emulsify as well without it.

SIMPLE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Set a medium bowl on a kitchen towel shaped like an "O" (this helps keep the bowl steady while whisking). Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, garlic, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper in the bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is combined and blended well. Use right away, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

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.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
• Slowly add oil, whisking until emulsified, or shake the ingredients in a jar, or whirl them in a blender.

HOW TO MAKE VINAIGRETTE SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Add all of the ingredients to a small mason jar, screw on the lid, and shake until blended. You can also whisk the ingredients together in a bowl or whirr them together in a blender.
• Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Add to salad, toss, and serve.
• Keep leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 days.

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.