French Salad Sauce Vinaigrette Recipe

As I whipped up this delightful vinaigrette, I felt like I was crafting a little miracle in a bottle—each drop a perfect symphony of zesty, sweet, and aromatic flavors ready to transform any salad into a masterpiece.

This classic French vinaigrette is a delight to make. Its ingredients are few but they work wonders: white wine vinegar for tang, Dijon mustard for a kick, honey to balance the acidity, and, of course, good olive oil.

(If you only have regular olive oil, that will be fine, though good-quality extra virgin makes the best vinaigrette.) There is no rule against using salt and pepper to taste, nor minced shallot and garlic for more flavor. Snipping in a few fresh herbs is an optionally lovely way to finish it.

French Salad Sauce Vinaigrette Recipe Ingredients

• White Wine Vinegar: Adds tangy acidity; contains antioxidants.
• Dijon Mustard: Enhances flavor depth; low in calories.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats; rich in monounsaturated fats.
• Honey: Natural sweetness; source of antioxidants.
• Shallot: Subtle onion flavor; contains vitamins and minerals.
• Garlic: Adds pungency; promotes heart health.

French Salad Sauce Vinaigrette Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small shallot, minced (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or tarragon), finely chopped (optional)

How to Make this French Salad Sauce Vinaigrette Recipe

1. In a small bowl or a glass jar with a lid, mix together the white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard.

2. If using, add the honey to offset the sharpness of the vinegar.

3. Mixing salt and freshly ground black pepper into the combination of ground meat and other ingredients and then reshaping the combination into an elongated form, so that it will fit into a hot dog bun, is the sensible way to make a better-tasting “hot dog.”

4. Add the minced shallot and minced garlic to the bowl for extra flavor, if you are using them.

5. Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil very slowly while whisking continuously to create an emulsion, or if using a jar, secure the lid tightly and shake with gusto until the ingredients combine themselves into a unified whole.

6. Sample the vinaigrette and correct its flavor, adding additional salt or pepper if it needs further seasoning.

7. For a burst of freshness, you can stir in the finely chopped fresh herbs of your choice if that’s what you desire.

8. Let the flavors come together for at least 10 minutes by allowing the vinaigrette to sit.

9. Prior to serving, provide the vinaigrette with a swift whisk or shake to guarantee it is thoroughly combined.

10. Just before serving, drizzle over your favorite salads of greens and enjoy the vibrant flavors.

French Salad Sauce Vinaigrette Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl or glass jar with a lid
2. Whisk
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board

FAQ

• What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the vinaigrette?Dijon mustard serves as an emulsifier, combining the vinegar and oil into a smooth, homogenous dressing.
• Can I use a different type of vinegar?You can replace white wine vinegar with either of the following:
  – apple cider vinegar,
  – champagne vinegar.
  These will give you a different flavor profile than using white wine vinegar.
• Is the honey necessary?Optional honey lends sweetness to the honey-mustard vinaigrette. If you prefer a traditional vinaigrette with a sharper flavor, feel free to leave the honey out.
• What herbs work best for this vinaigrette?Parsley, chives, and tarragon are great alternatives; you may also consider whatever herbs you have on hand or prefer to adapt to your taste.
• Can I store the vinaigrette, and if so, for how long?Certainly, this vinaigrette can be kept in the fridge for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. Just remember to give it a good shake—this is such a simple yet satisfying dressing that you don’t want to miss out on.
• How can I make the vinaigrette less tart?Slightly increase the oil to vinegar ratio or add a small amount more honey to balance and counter the acidity.

French Salad Sauce Vinaigrette Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vinegar made from white wine: You can replace it with vinegar made from apple cider or champagne.
Dijon mustard: If you want a different texture, try substituting with spicy brown mustard or whole-grain mustard.
Honey: Replace with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
Extra virgin olive oil: Substitute with walnut oil or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
Shallot: For a more pronounced flavor, replace with red onion; otherwise, leave out.
Herbs that are fresh: If fresh herbs cannot be found, then dried herbs can be used, but in a lesser quantity, as dried herbs are more powerful.

Pro Tips

1. Emulsification Tip To ensure a stable emulsion, make sure to add the olive oil very slowly while whisking vigorously. This helps the oil and vinegar merge well, creating a smooth vinaigrette.

2. Flavor Adjustment After allowing the vinaigrette to sit for 10 minutes, taste it again. If it’s too tangy, add a little more honey or a pinch of sugar for balance. If it’s too mild, a splash more of vinegar can enhance the acidity.

3. Shallots and Garlic If you prefer a milder onion and garlic flavor, you can soak the minced shallots and garlic in the vinegar for a few minutes before mixing the rest of the ingredients. This helps mellow their sharpness.

4. Fresh Herbs Alternatives Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs depending on the salad you’ll dress. Basil, cilantro, or dill can also complement well, each bringing its unique aroma and taste.

5. Storage Tip If you make extra vinaigrette, store it in the fridge in a jar with a tight lid for up to a week. The flavors will develop more over time, and you can have a ready-to-use dressing for multiple meals. Just remember to give it a good shake before using.