French Vinaigrette Dressing

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French Vinaigrette Dressing – a quick, low-calorie oil and vinegar-based salad dressing. This homemade vinaigrette is sweet, tangy and the perfect salad dressing to pair with fresh leafy greens.

I hope everyone is having a great start to the new year. It feels good to be back on track after the busy holiday season. After all of that holiday cooking, I’ve been really enjoying throwing together simple salads. I’ve been trying different ways to change them up, so I don’t get bored.

Having a variety of homemade salad dressings is a great way to fight food boredom and make salad greens taste amazing. One dressing I’ve been making on repeat is this homemade french vinaigrette.

I almost always have the ingredients on hand and the dressing comes together in literally minutes. Paired with a bowl of leafy greens, this french dressing is simply the best, and I think everyone should have this recipe in their recipe box. Enjoy!

What is French Vinaigrette Dressing?

So what makes vinaigrette dressing French? Classic french vinaigrette dressings are made with an oil and vinegar base and include Dijon, shallots, and salt. This version also calls for fresh garlic and sugar. This dressing is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

French Vinaigrette should not be confused with French Dressing (the creamy red dressing). It is made creamy and thickened with mayo/ketchup and paprika is added for flavor and color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade dressing is so much better than store-bought. Homemade isn’t loaded with chemicals and preservatives like its grocery store counterpart.
• It’s quick. You can make this in a matter of minutes.
• French vinaigrette goes great with almost any salad.
• It’s also a great marinade for vegetables, chicken, and fish.
• It’s gluten-free and low carb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive Oil – serves as the base for this dressing. Choose good-quality olive oil for the best-tasting dressing.
• Rice Wine Vinegar – adds the perfect amount of tang and flavor.
• Parsley (chopped) – adds a fresh flavor. 
• Dijon Mustard – adds sharp, mustardy flavor and a hint of spice.
• Minced Garlic – adds bold savory flavor.
• Sugar – helps mellow the acidity of the dressing
• Salt & Ground Pepper – enhances the flavors in the dressing.

How To Make French Vinaigrette Dressing

Step 1.

Mix ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add mustard, parsley, garlic, sugar, salt, and ground pepper. Mix well.

Step 2.

Add olive oil and vinegar. Whisk together until all ingredients are emulsified and fully combined.

Step 3.

Store. Transfer dressing to a mason jar, or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in refrigerator. Shake well before each use.

Recipe Tips

• For best results, bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing. Room temperature oil is easier to emulsify.
• This dressing can serve a few purposes, so make a double or even triple batch. In addition to dressing salads, this dressing is a great marinade for vegetables, fish, and seafood.
• The parsley will naturally float to the top when stored and the oil and vinegar may separate. Simply give the container of dressing a good shake before each use.

Variations

This straightforward vinaigrette recipe is a great base for switching up the flavor profile. You can make an Italian-inspired dressing by adding freshly grated parmesan and a blend of Italian herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

Add fresh lemon juices and zest for a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing. Or you can also switch up the flavor by simply using a different vinegar. Balsamic, red wine, and champagne are great options.

How To Store Homemade Dressing

Store homemade vinaigrette dressing in a mason jar with tight-fitting lid or another container with a tight lid. Properly stored, this dressing will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. The flavor from the shallots and garlic won’t be as bold the longer the dressing is stored.

Calories per serving (2 tbsp): 8

More Dressing & Dip Recipes

Creamy Citrus Ginger Dressing

Italian Herb Dressing

Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dill Dip

Pea Guacamole

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Enjoy!