Classic Vinaigrette

If you’ve never made your own salad dressing, vinaigrette is the easiest and most delicious place to start. It’s fresh, fast and fully customizable. Ready in just a minute or two with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Unlike store-bought options, homemade vinaigrette skips the preservatives and mystery ingredients. It’s clean, vibrant, and tailored exactly to your taste.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick & Easy – Comes together in under 5 minutes.

  • Customizable – Adjust the acid, oil, and seasoning to suit any dish.

  • No Additives – Just fresh ingredients you can feel good about.

  • Versatile – Works beyond salads: try it on veggies, grains, or proteins.

How to Use It

  • Toss with Greens – The classic move for everyday salads.

  • Drizzle Over Roasted Veggies – Adds brightness and contrast.

  • Spoon onto Grain Bowls – Brings flavor to rice, quinoa, and farro.

  • Use as a Marinade – Perfect for chicken, fish, or tofu.

  • Finish Soups or Stews – A splash adds acidity and lift.

Pro Tips

  • Start with a 3:1 Ratio – Three parts oil to one part vinegar or citrus juice.

  • Shake or Whisk – Mix until the dressing emulsifies.

  • Season Well – Salt and pepper go a long way, but fresh herbs, mustard, garlic, or honey add depth.

  • Switch It Up – Try balsamic, sherry, or red wine vinegar, and flavored oils like garlic or chili.

  • Double the Recipe – Making salads all week or feeding a crowd? Just double the ingredients and store extras in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Rheal Kitchen Talk

Once you’ve made vinaigrette from scratch it’s hard to go back to the bottle. It’s one of those small habits that adds a personal, thoughtful touch to your food without too much extra work. You get to choose the flavors, the tang, and the balance and you’ll always have a better-than-store-bought dressing ready in minutes.

It’s quick, flavorful, and made by you.

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Classic Vinaigrette

Classic Vinaigrette

Category

Dressing


Fresh, tangy, and endlessly adaptable, this homemade vinaigrette comes together in minutes with just oil, vinegar (and/or citrus), and your favorite seasonings. Perfect for salads, roasted veggies, grain bowls, or marinades it’s a quick, flavorful essential that’s made by you.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (balsamic, red wine, apple cider, or your favorite)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for creaminess and extra flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and sweetener (if using).

  2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing emulsifies (or shake everything together in a sealed jar).
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week.