How to Make a Perfect Vinaigrette

Every night at dinner while growing up, we would have a side salad. We were able to pick from a selection of low-fat processed salad dressings, which we now know weren’t as healthy as we thought. When I had to go gluten-free and decided to adopt a paleo lifestyle, I quickly had to learn how to make my own salad dressings. Thankfully, making a perfect vinaigrette is easier than it sounds and you can use what you have on hand! With a few simple steps, I’ll show you how to make a perfect vinaigrette every time!

What is Vinaigrette?

The name vinaigrette sounds fancy, but it’s the easiest salad dressing you can make with what you have on hand already in your pantry. The recipe is simply oil, something acidic like vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings or herbs! Three things you should always have on hand. Vinaigrettes can be used for more than just salad dressings; you can use them as marinades and grill sauces, as well.

How to Make a Perfect Vinaigrette

Technically, the perfect vinaigrette is one that you enjoy! Start with one part acid to two parts oil and add whatever seasonings you want to taste. I personally like a tangy vinaigrette, so I’ll use as much as half acid to half oil. The seasonings can be as simple as just salt and pepper, but you can add whatever you want – including fresh or dried herbs, mustards like dijon or honey, fruit puree or jam, nut butter and premixed seasoning blends like Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence.

Oils & Fats for the Perfect Vinaigrette

While you can use olive oil to make your perfect vinaigrette, you can mix it up to impart more flavor. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor to a vinaigrette. In fact, if you really love sesame you can even use part tahini! Want a creamy vinaigrette without adding dairy? Replace some of the oil with blended avocado and use avocado oil for the base.

Acids for the Perfect Vinaigrette

Most vinaigrettes are made with red wine or balsamic vinegar – but why do what everyone else does? Try out:

• Citrus juice like lemon or lime
• Apple cider vinegar
• Coconut vinegar
• Fruit vinegar, like pomegranate or orange
• Untraditional “wine” vinegar, like rosé or champagne

Looking for some salads to pair with your vinaigrette? Try these!

• Greek-Style Salad with Olive Oil Dressing {10 minute recipe!}
• Clean-Eating Olive Oil & Coconut Vinegar Massaged Kale Salad
• Cucumber & Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette {gluten-free, vegan}
• Spring Salad with Roasted Fennel & Coconut Vinaigrette
• Paleo Sweet Potato Salad With A Tangy Garlic Vinaigrette

Now that you know how to make the perfect vinaigrette, what combinations are you going to try?

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