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Mustard Vinaigrette in 30 seconds from start to finish – just grab a jar and some basic ingredients, and shake! this recipe is one you’ll make over and over!
Add the ingredients to a jar and shake! This post also shares variations and ways to make this to your own tastes
Step by step photos and instructions below!
We are in the thick of salad season (okay, I live in Arizona, it’s kind of ALWAYS salad season), and I regularly find myself wanting a change from the same old same old salad dressings. Making my own means I can mix it up based on what kind of salad I’m eating, and what I have on hand.
While I do love some store-bought dressings, I get sick of a bottle of dressing well before it runs out, and then I have 15 bottles cluttering up my refrigerator. Changing up the salad ingredients and making my own homemade salad dressings means I never get bored! Having a dressing to be excited about is actually the key way to get my family eating salads.
If you follow the basic ratio (shown below), you can create your own recipe – the possibilities are endless, really. In the mood for an Italian flavor? Use Italian seasoning, bump up the garlic and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top of your salad. Spicy is your bag? Add some crushed red pepper! Southwestern is your thing? A little chipotle pepper, some cumin and coriander… and lime juice instead of balsamic, and you’re in business!
This recipe makes a small amount of dressing (about 1/2 cup) – if you are serving larger salads or want some for tomorrow – just double/triple/quadruple the recipe.
I have included step by step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vinaigrette is basically a mix of olive oil and something acidic, be it balsamic or wine vinegar or a citrus juice (lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice), apple cider or wine, as well as other flavorings, and always seasoned with salt and pepper.
Using balsamic vinegar makes a sweet/tart flavor, but “tangy” and “bright” are also words used to describe it!
1 part vinegar, 3 parts olive oil
Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Balsamic Vinegar – I like an “aged” balsamic, it has a really rich flavor
- Garlic – freshly crushed garlic is essential!
- Dijon Mustard – this is a medium spicy mustard, that is sharp and has a tangy taste
- Olive Oil – use the best olive oil you can afford. I like Extra Virgin Olive Oil for dressings
- Dried Parsley and Thyme – this flavors the dressing subtly. You can change them up for other seasonings if you prefer – see below for suggestions
How to make this recipe
Scroll for Recipe
The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- In a clean jar or small bowl, add the vinegar, garlic, mustard and mix well.
- Slowly add the olive oil while either whisking or stirring rapidly with your fork.
- Add the parsley and thyme, salt and pepper, taste and adjust seasonings.
- Drizzle onto your salad.
- Devour!
Kylee’s Notes
- Use honey mustard instead of dijon for a sweeter flavor, and switch out the balsamic for apple cider vinegar (and a little honey if you like it super sweet)
- Use Italian seasoning in place of the parsley and thyme for a different flavor profile
- Add a little crushed red pepper for a spicy kick!
Want some more salad recipes?
- Mango Jalapeno Salad Dressing
- Summery White Bean Salad
- Easy Southwest Pasta Salad with Lime Vinaigrette Dressing
- Vegan Chickpea Salad
- Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad
- Easy Italian Salad (from Spend with Pennies)
- Chopped Asparagus Salad (from View from the Great Island)
Want to try this recipe?
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Basic Mustard Vinaigrette
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 5-6 Tbs olive oil
- pinch dried parsley
- pinch dried thyme
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a clean jar or small bowl, add the vinegar, garlic, mustard and mix well.
- Slowly add the olive oil while either whisking or stirring rapidly with your fork.
- Add the parsley and thyme, salt and pepper, taste and adjust seasonings.
Tips & Notes:
- What does vinaigrette dressing taste like? Using balsamic vinegar makes a sweet/tart flavor, but “tangy” and “bright” are also words used to describe it!
- Use honey mustard instead of dijon for a sweeter flavor, and switch out the balsamic for apple cider vinegar (and a little honey if you like it super sweet)
- Use Italian Seasoning in place of the parsley and thyme for a different flavor profile
- Add a little crushed red pepper for a spicy kick!
nutrition facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
Recipes written and produced on Kylee Cooks are for informational purposes only. Kylee is not a certified nutritionist. Nutritional data provided on Kylee Cooks has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration.
Update: This recipe was originally posted in 2011, and has been updated to improve reader experience.
Natalie says
Oh wow what a flavor combo. I love anything with mustard so this is a must try. Such a great recipe! Can’t wait to dizzle this over my salad.
Jagruti Dhanecha says
Homemade salad dressings are the best, fresh and flavourful. How long can you keep it for in the fridge?
Michele says
This sounds so good! I think homemade dressings are so much better than anything you can pour out of a bottle. I think I need to go make a big salad!
Amy says
I love mustard! I really like how you turned a typical creamy dressing into a vinaigrette! This looks delish!
Lorie says
I’ve never added thyme to my balsamic but it is my absolute favorite seasoning. Can’t wait to make this—I have a feeling it will be my new go to!
Daniela says
Always enjoy a good vinaigrette and your ingredient shots are stunning :)! Can’t wait to make this!!!
Jenni LeBaron says
This vinaigrette sounds perfectly simple and delicious. I hardly ever use balsamic these days, but this totally has me craving it now. Can’t wait to try this!
georgie says
this looks gorgeous, I love basic vinaigrette’s for all types of salads! I love how you’ve also laid out the instructions so easily! looks fantastic!
Ana F. says
What a beautiful and delicious recipe! I can’t believe how easy is to make your own salad dressing at home. Thank you!
Alisha Rodrigues says
It’s so easy and looks tasty. I love salad dressings that are so quick to make. Perfect for a busy day
Julie says
I love homemade salad dressings — and they’re so easy when you can just store them in a jar in the fridge and shake before using. Love all your tips to change things up; what a great way to enjoy salads all summer long without getting bored!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
I should definitely try this on my salad! It will surely give a different flavor. Thanks for sharing!
Anne Lawton says
Homemade salad dressing is the best! And this dressing recipe looks so easy, Thanks for sharing.