You can whisk up this all-purpose vinaigrette in minutes, and it’s good on almost any salad.
This classic vinaigrette is the answer to how to dress almost any salad. It has a silky-smooth texture and punchy flavor, striking just the right balance between acid and fat. The formula is a 2:1 ratio of oil to vinegar, plus the addition of honey and Dijon mustard, which not only add flavor, rounding out the sharpness of the vinegar and adding a bit of tang, respectively, but also stabilize the vinaigrette so it stays emulsified (i.e., it won’t ever separate into oil and vinegar, leaving you with a plate of oily, unevenly dressed greens).
What you’ll need to make vinaigrette
Note that the recipe calls for a neutral-tasting oil, such as vegetable, canola, safflower, or grapeseed oil. Though olive oil is popular and used in many recipes because of its health benefits, its strong flavor can overwhelm and compete with other salad ingredients. For an all-purpose vinaigrette not intended for Italian, Greek or Mediterranean-style salads, it’s best to stick with a neutral oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a medium bowl, add the honey, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Whisk the ingredients until combined.
While whisking vigorously, slowly pour in the oil to create an emulsion; the dressing should be slightly thickened and emulsified when all the oil is added. The most efficient way to whisk is in a figure-8 motion. If you see pools of oil forming on the top while you’re adding the oil, stop for a moment and whisk to emulsify before continuing.
Mix in the shallots. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. The best way is to dip a piece of lettuce into it and take a bite rather than tasting it with a spoon.
Store the vinaigrette in a jar at room temperature for up to 4 days, or up to a week in the refrigerator. Shake to re-emulsify when ready to use. Remember, before dressing any salad, be sure your greens are completely dry, as wet greens will repel and water down the vinaigrette.
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Per serving (6 servings) Serving size: 2 tablespoons Calories: 199 Fat: 21 g Saturated fat: 1 g Carbohydrates: 3 g Sugar: 3 g Fiber: 0 g Protein: 0 g Sodium: 89 mg Cholesterol: 0 mg
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