Make your food come alive with the simplest vinaigrettes; they’re a quick and easy way to add flavour and variety to all your meals. The vinaigrette has only four basic ingredients but it gives a whole new twist to fish, seafood, vegetables, rice, meats or appetizers. Let your imagination run wild; many tasty ideas are waiting to be discovered.

The Vinaigrette's Basic Preparation

Oil, vinegar, salt and pepper are the main ingredients in the classic vinaigrette. One part vinegar is usually mixed with two to three parts oil. Salt and pepper are added to taste.

The vinaigrette's preparation may be simple, but its colours and flavours are numerous and varied. Choose from a wide range of oils : olive – whether, French, Spanish, Italian or Greek – sunflower, corn, nut, hazelnut, or season your dressing with a few drops of grilled sesame oil. For vinegars, select a white, balsamic, cider, malt, red wine or white wine vinegar, or vinegar seasoned with tarragon or basil.

A Few Subtle Variations

Use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a dressing with more tartness.
Replace the black pepper with freshly ground white pepper.
Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard, maple syrup, honey, yogurt or sour cream.
Season your vinaigrette with herbs and spices : chives, garlic, dill, parsley, mint, coriander, tarragon, herbs of Provence, etc.
Include some almond slivers or crushed hazelnuts.

A Few Subtle Variations

When preparing your dressing, add the salt, then the vinegar, and mix energetically before adding the other ingredients; salt will fully dissolve in vinegar.
The oil should always be incorporated by whisking with a fork, only after all the other ingredients have been mixed. Pour in the oil gradually to ensure the emulsion.
If too much vinaigrette has mistakenly been added to your salad, just drop in some bread and mix until the excess vinaigrette has been absorbed. Take out the bread and the problem is fixed!
To remove a stubborn vinaigrette stain, just apply a little shaving cream and let dry. Then, wash as usual.

Quick And Delicious Recipes

Enhance your meals with a variety of tasty vinaigrettes :
Endive Hors d'oeuvre
Grilled Tuna Niçoise Salad
Artichokes with Balsamic Dressing
Thai Rice Salad
Six-Bean Salad with Sesame Dressing
Salmon Steaks with Garlic and Capers Dressing