The Basic Perfect Vinaigrette Recipes

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 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:

• 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.

CLASSIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Put the mustard, vinegar and olive oil in a jar and season. Shake vigorously to mix. Store in a cool place (not the fridge) until ready to use. Use for all your salads or try one of our recipes, right. Vinaigrette will keep for a week.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Pour vinegar into a shallow bowl. Whisk in salt.
• Gradually whisk in olive oil. Adding it slowly will help the dressing emulsify. Whisk in the mustard, if using.
• Add a few grinds of black pepper and taste. Add more of whatever you think it needs, a bit at a time. (Too tart? Add oil. Too bland? Add salt and vinegar.)

PERFECT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk together mustard, salt, pepper, honey, and vinegar. Slowly drizzle in the oil. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

THE BEST VINAIGRETTE IN THE WORLD EVER, EVER

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a jam jar, make sure the lid is on tightly, and shake the living daylights out of it.
• Leave it to sit for at least half an hour before serving to allow the garlic to infuse.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk all the ingredients to a smooth, slightly thick consistency. If it's too runny, add more olive oil. If it's too thick add a bit of lukewarm water.
• *trick: put all the ingredients in a jar and shake until well mixed.

BASIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the shallots, vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; let the mixture stand 10 minutes. Whisk in the mustard, then add the oil in a very slow, thin, steady stream, whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified. Season with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. DO AHEAD: The vinaigrette can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 1 week.