Base Vinaigrette Recipes

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.

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.

BASE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, shallots and 1 teaspoon water. Slowly stream in the oils while whisking. Season with salt and pepper.

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.

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.

PERFECT VINAIGRETTE BASE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe measuring cup.
• Microwave until warm, 30-45 seconds.
• Stir to dissolve salt.
• Pour liquid into glass jar, discarding garlic solids, and refrigerate.
• To Make a Salad: In salad bowl, combine 1 tablespoon Perfect Vinaigrette Base, 1 tablespoon water, 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
• Add 6 cups torn salad greens (and a small chopped tomato, if desired).
• Toss together and taste.
• Now, here's the big secret: If dressing seems too strong, add another 1-2 tablespoons water (mild greens will need the extra water).
• And another hint -- use a mild olive oil with mild greens, and a more assertive olive oil with robust greens.