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Add a burst of zesty flavor to your salads and dishes with this easy-to-make Dijon vinaigrette. Made with tangy Dijon mustard, smooth olive oil, and a hint of garlic, it’s a classic French-inspired dressing that pairs perfectly with any salad or dish.
Simple to whip up and packed with rich, well-balanced flavors, this vinaigrette is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. I love how quick and versatile it is, offering a delightful blend of garlic, oregano, and a touch of honey sweetness. Some of my other favorite dressings ans\d vinaigrettes are Greek Salad Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Ladolemono (Greek Lemon Olive Oil Sauce).
Table of Contents
Recipe Highlights
Cultural Influence: French-inspired
Primary Cooking Technique: Quick and simple – Shake, Whisk, or Blend
Dominant Flavor Profile: Sharp and tangy with a smooth, zesty finish
Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This Dijon Vinaigrette is quick, easy, and mouthwatering. Its perfect balance of tangy, zesty, and savory notes elevates any salad or dish. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it a go-to dressing for any occasion.
Key Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It adds a rich, fruity base that enhances the Dijon vinaigrette’s overall flavor profile.
- Dijon Mustard: This key ingredient acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar blend together smoothly. Its sharp and tangy flavor adds depth to the vinaigrette, and a little goes a long way in creating that classic zesty taste.
- Garlic: Freshly grated garlic adds a punch of pungency and warmth to the vinaigrette. Grate it with a microplane to release its oils and maximize flavor, allowing it to meld seamlessly into the vinaigrette.
- Oregano: This Mediterranean dried herb brings an earthy, slightly bitter flavor to the vinaigrette, balancing the acidity of the vinegar and the sharpness of the mustard.
- Red Wine Vinegar: It offers a robust tanginess with subtle fruity undertones, adding brightness and a slight complexity to the vinaigrette.
- Salt: Use kosher salt for a more controlled seasoning. If you find the vinaigrette too salty, balance it out with a bit more honey.
- Honey: A touch of honey introduces a mild sweetness that softens the acidity of the vinegar and mustard. It also helps create a more harmonious flavor profile, adding depth and a hint of warmth to the vinaigrette.
How to Make Dijon Vinaigrette
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by adding the olive oil and Dijon mustard to a jar.
Step 2: Add Fresh Garlic
Then, grate the garlic using a microplane and add it to the jar with the olive oil and mustard.
Step 3: Season the Vinaigrette
After that, add the dried oregano, red wine vinegar, salt, and honey to the mixture.
Step 4: Emulsify the Ingredients
Finally, seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until the vinaigrette is well-emulsified. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, shaking well before each use.
Uses for Dijon Vinaigrette
Dijon Vinaigrette is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Here’s how you can enjoy and use this tasty vinaigrette:
As a Salad Dressing:
Dijon vinaigrette is a classic choice for dressing salads, adding a vibrant tang and depth to any combination of greens, vegetables, and toppings. Its sharp, zesty flavor complements summer salads with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers, as well as more complex ones featuring ingredients like avocados, nuts, or cheese. Drizzle it generously over your favorite salad and toss well to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor. Try it with Corn Salad, Green Bean Salad, Chopped Salad, Caprese Salad, and Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.
As a Dipping Sauce:
This vinaigrette doubles as a delicious dipping sauce for a variety of dishes like Crispy Sweet Potato Fries. You will also love to pair it with fresh veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber sticks for a healthy, flavorful snack.
With Roasted Veggies:
After roasting vegetables, toss them in the vinaigrette while still warm. This allows the dressing to soak in, creating a mouthwatering balance of tangy and savory notes. Try it with Mediterranean Oven Roasted Vegetables.
On a Grain Bowl:
Pour it over a bowl filled with grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice, and top with your choice of proteins, vegetables, and nuts. The vinaigrette adds a zesty element that brings the ingredients together, making each bite more flavorful and satisfying.
As a Marinade:
Use Dijon vinaigrette as a quick and easy marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu. The acidic elements in the vinaigrette help tenderize proteins, while the mustard and garlic infuse them with robust flavor.
Simply marinate your protein of choice for at least 30 minutes before grilling, baking, or pan-frying to enjoy juicy, flavorful meat with minimal effort.
Recipe Tips
- Balance the Flavors: If you find the vinaigrette too tangy, add a touch more honey to balance the acidity. Alternatively, increase the Dijon mustard for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Garlic Flavor Control: If you prefer a milder garlic taste, let the grated garlic sit in the vinegar for a few minutes before adding it to the mix.
- Emulsify Like a Pro: For a perfectly emulsified vinaigrette, try using a food processor or an immersion blender to whisk. This method is ideal for a very smooth, well-emulsified vinaigrette. It also helps to evenly distribute the garlic and oregano for consistent flavor.
- Customize the Herbs: Feel free to swap the oregano with other dried herbs like thyme, basil, or herbs de Provence for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamier dressing, whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for added richness.
Variations and Substitutions
Vinegar Swap: Substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor twist. Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of sweetness, while white wine vinegar offers a milder acidity.
Oil Options: While olive oil is classic, you can use avocado or sunflower oil for a more neutral taste.
Honey Alternative: If you’re avoiding honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. For a sharper, more tangy Dijon vinaigrette, omit the sweetener entirely.
Herb Variations: Experiment with other dried herbs like thyme, basil, or tarragon instead of dried oregano.
How to Store Dijon Vinaigrette
Refrigerator: Keep the Dijon vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will last for up to one week. Always shake or stir well before using as the ingredients may separate over time.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing Dijon vinaigrette as it can cause the oil to separate and affect the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t recommend using white distilled vinegar because its flavor is a bit too strong for this recipe.
If you prefer a milder vinaigrette, reduce the amount of vinegar. Conversely, add a bit more vinegar for a tangier taste.
To make this vinaigrette vegan, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave.
Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to shake it well before serving.
More Vinaigrettes and Dressings To Try
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Classic Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and Dijon mustard to a jar.
- Grate the garlic using a microplane and add it to the jar with the olive oil and mustard.
- Add the dried oregano, red wine vinegar, salt, and honey to the mixture.
- Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until the vinaigrette is well-emulsified. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, shaking well before each use.
Video
Notes
- Balance the Flavors: If you find the vinaigrette too tangy, add a touch more honey to balance the acidity. Alternatively, increase the Dijon mustard for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Garlic Flavor Control: If you prefer a milder garlic taste, let the grated garlic sit in the vinegar for a few minutes before adding it to the mix.
- Emulsify Like a Pro: For a perfectly emulsified vinaigrette, try using a food processor or an immersion blender to whisk. This method is ideal for a very smooth, well-emulsified vinaigrette. It also helps to evenly distribute the garlic and oregano for consistent flavor.
- Customize the Herbs: Feel free to swap the oregano with other dried herbs like thyme, basil, or herbs de Provence for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamier dressing, whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for added richness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
