How to make the perfect vinaigrette

A classic, simple vinaigrette can be made with red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar or white wine, or even lemon juice.

1. Add about a tablespoon of good Dijon mustard to 4-6 tsp vinegar (to taste). THe mustard will help it thicken up and give it a great flavor.

2. Then, add the olive oil, approximately 2/3 of a cup, or more or less, to taste.

Here’s the trick that will help you emulsify the dressing, which thickens it up and helps the oil mix with the vinegar: Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream while whisking constantly. This will emulsify the dressing so it doesn’t separate. The key is the steady slow stream of oil, whisking vigorously, until it is emulsified.

Then, when it’s well combined and thick, add some salt and pepper and you’re ready to dress your salad with your classic, perfect vinaigrette.

Olive oil

Red wine or balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice

Dijon mustard

Whisk

Mixing bowl

Salt and pepper to taste

    Hi everybody, I’m Ceci Carmichael for howdini.com. I’m going to show you how to make a classic simple vinaigrette. First we have vinegar, a red wine vinegar, or you can use balsamic or you can use white wine, you could even use lemon juice if you want. To that we’re going to add a tablespoon of good Dijon mustard. And what that’s going to do is not only give it a really great flavor but help it thicken up. And then olive oil.

    Now I’m going to show you a little trick, how to emulsify your dressing. And basically what emulsifying is thickening it up and getting the vinegar to mix with the olive oil. So we are going to start whisking, and in a steady, slow stream you’re going to add your olive oil. And there’s really no set amount I usually end up using two-thirds of a cup.

    The secret to getting your oil and vinegar combined is by a steady slow stream of olive oil, and whisking constantly. And what that’s going to do is emulsify your dressing. So you don’t get that separation. And usually about two-thirds a cup of olive will do it. Some people want more some people want less, its fine. And that is all there is to it. Little salt, little pepper to taste, and your ready to dress your salad. Umm perfect.