HOW TO: Make a Vinaigrette

Vinaigrette is one of the classic Mother Sauces. It is an emulsion made of oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. It is usually 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar but can change based on desired finished outcome. The term vinaigrette is actually nothing more than a shortened version of vinaigrette, which is French Dressing. There really is no history on the beginning of a vinaigrette as it was common in Ancient Rome.

Vinaigrette is very popular these days, the two most common being the Balsamic Vinaigrette and the Lemon Vinaigrette. Both are used often for salads in a variety of restaurants and recipes. Lemon Vinaigrette is a little more versatile than Balsamic Vinaigrette. It can be used as a dressing, marinade, or even a finishing sauce. I actually prefer the flavor of a Lemon Vinaigrette over a salad it creates a light and refreshing taste.

(above photo of a Lemon Vinaigrette)
Here is a great recipe for a both a Balsamic Vinaigrette and a Lemon Vinaigrette. I will include a few recommendations for each alongside the recipe.

Classic Lemon Vinaigrette:

Some great uses for this include garden salads. Vegetable salads. Marinade for chicken, salmon or vegetables. Use as a finishing sauce for scallops, shrimp, or lobster. Use as a finishing sauce for asparagus, green beans, or eggplant. Use as a grilling base for kabobs.


Full time: less than 10 minutes
Yields 1 1/2 cup vinaigrette

You will need:
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, not concentrate
1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Let us begin:

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.

Pour in oil and lemon juice.

Whisk until fully blended and airy, approximately 2 minutes.

Enjoy!
Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette:
Some great uses for this include garden salads. Tomato and mozzarella salad. Drizzled over some fresh mozzarella and basil. Marinade chicken in it for grilling.

Full time: less than 10 minutes
Yields 1 1/2 cup vinaigrette

You will need:

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp sugar or dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Let us begin:

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.

Pour in oil and vinegar.

Whisk until fully blended and airy, approximately 2 minutes.

Enjoy!