How to Cook · Salads & Vinaigrettes

Vinaigrette

Name: Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: Makes about ¼ cup
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard; 3 tablespoons neutral oil; Salt and pepper

Makes about ¼ cupPrep 5 minTotal 5 minSalads

A jar of emulsified vinaigrette with a whisk

A classic French vinaigrette of red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and oil whisked into a sharp, lightly emulsified dressing. It's one of the most useful things to know how to make — the Dijon gives it body and helps it hold together — and it works far beyond salads, as a quick marinade or a bright finish for fish and grilled meats.

Makes about ¼ cup

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons neutral oil
Salt and pepper

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Method

Whisk the base

In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, Dijon, a good pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper.

Emulsify

Add the neutral oil while whisking until the dressing comes together — it will not stay emulsified for long, so whisk again before using. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar as needed.

Part of Salads & Vinaigrettes in the How to Cook series.