The aroma of a freshly whisked dijon vinaigrette dressing fills the kitchen with an irresistible allure, beckoning you to create something delicious. Picture that perfect blend of tanginess and richness, dancing on your palate like a culinary ballet. A salad transforms from mundane to magical with just a drizzle of this zesty elixir.
I still remember the first time I whipped up this dressing for a family gathering. My cousin, who usually turns her nose at greens, doused her salad with it and exclaimed, “Where has this been all my life?” That moment was pure gold! This dressing is perfect for any occasion: picnics, barbecues, or simply jazzing up your weekday meals. Prepare for tastebud fireworks that will leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dijon vinaigrette dressing is a game changer in meal prep; it’s quick and easy to whip up in under five minutes
- The flavor profile is perfectly balanced between tangy and creamy
- Its vibrant golden hue adds an appealing touch to any dish
- Versatile enough for salads, marinades, or even drizzled over roasted veggies
I once served this vinaigrette at a dinner party and received rave reviews from everyone around the table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dressing:
Dijon Mustard: Choose a smooth variety for easy blending; it adds that signature sharpness we crave.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Always opt for high-quality oil for rich flavor; it enhances the overall taste.
Red Wine Vinegar: Provides brightness; feel free to swap with apple cider vinegar if desired.
Honey: A splash of sweetness balances the acidity; adjust based on personal preference.
Garlic Clove: Fresh garlic brings depth; use minced or crushed for maximum flavor impact.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; they elevate every ingredient’s flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable as you mix everything together.
Whisk Together Dijon Mustard and Vinegar: In a medium bowl, combine Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar. Whisk until fully blended; you should see a lovely golden mixture forming.
Add Olive Oil Gradually: Slowly pour in extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking. This helps emulsify the dressing into a creamy texture that’s both luxurious and satisfying.
Incorporate Honey and Garlic: Stir in honey and minced garlic until well combined. The sweetness from honey will balance out the tang from mustard and vinegar beautifully.
Season with Salt and Pepper: Finally, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Adjust these seasonings depending on your palate; don’t be shy—taste as you go!
Store or Serve Immediately: You can serve right away or transfer into an airtight container for later use. It keeps well in the fridge for about a week—if it lasts that long!
Enjoy drizzling this delectable dijon vinaigrette dressing over your favorite salads or using it as a marinade to elevate your meals to new heights!
You Must Know
- This delightful dijon vinaigrette dressing elevates your salads and meals with its zesty flavor
- It’s quick to make, and you can adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences
- The vibrant aroma and tangy notes will awaken your culinary senses
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by whisking together the dijon mustard, vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Add olive oil gradually while whisking to create a smooth emulsion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vinegar for lemon juice or experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil. Adding minced garlic can also boost flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover dijon vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good shake before using again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality olive oil; it makes a noticeable difference
- Always taste as you go to achieve your desired balance of acidity and sweetness
- Don’t forget to let the dressing sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to develop flavors
Sharing this vinaigrette recipe reminds me of dinner parties where everyone would rave about my “secret” dressing, unaware that it took just minutes to whip up!
FAQ
Can I use other mustards in this dijon vinaigrette dressing?
Yes, you can substitute with whole grain or spicy brown mustard for unique flavors.
How long does dijon vinaigrette dressing last in the refrigerator?
It stays fresh in an airtight container for about one week when stored properly.
What salads pair best with dijon vinaigrette dressing?
This dressing complements mixed greens, potato salad, or even roasted vegetable salads beautifully!
Zesty Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing
Elevate your salads and dishes with this quick and easy Dijon vinaigrette dressing. In under five minutes, you can whip up a vibrant blend of tangy mustard, rich olive oil, and a hint of sweetness that will transform any meal. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weekday dinners, this dressing adds a delightful touch to greens, marinades, and roasted vegetables. Get ready to impress your family and friends with its irresistible flavor!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings (240g total) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar until fully combined.
- Gradually add the olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth mixture.
- Stir in the honey and minced garlic until well blended.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
