Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe for One

A Dijon Vinaigrette is versatile and so very simple to mix up.  To make this vinaigrette, you need a few simple ingredients; vinegar, oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and some dried herbs. Pour over a fresh green salad or homegrown thick tomato slices, or use it as a chicken marinade.

You can also try this easy small-batch tempura dipping sauce or a homemade creamy buttermilk dressing.

Standard Vinaigrette Ratio

Start with the standard 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar and adjust to your personal taste as needed. Once you’ve made a few vinaigrettes, you will likely throw the measuring out and start adding the ingredients and tasting until you get the perfect flavor.

Basic oil and vinegar were the only salad dressing we ever had growing up; today, it’s still my favorite. I have a little vintage vinaigrette bottle I use to serve and an old mason jar to mix it up.

What type of oil to use?

A basic extra virgin olive oil is just fine; you don’t need to use high-end olive oil; frankly, unless you are a connoisseur of fine olive oils, you won’t taste any real difference.

What You Need to Make a Dijon Vinaigrette.

Use a small jar with a lid to mix your vinaigrette. I use a small glass of mayonnaise or mason jar.

Ingredients

• The mustard will be the show’s star, so use a good French Dijon mustard.
• I prefer using balsamic vinegar when making the mustard vinaigrette, but you can also use red wine vinegar and get a lovely result.
• Go with a standard good olive oil.  California Ranch Olive Oil is affordable, in grocery stores, and has a nice flavor.
• For the seasoning, use dried parsley and thyme.
• To make a vinaigrette, I like to use a tube of garlic paste; it’s easy. You can also crush fresh garlic.

Instructions

• Mix the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and mustard in a small jar with a lid. Securely attach the lid and shake to mix.
• Add in the seasoning, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, and give it a little shake. Drizzle over salad or vegetables.

What’s the difference between Dijon mustard and yellow mustard?

Other than the color, the difference is in the flavor and ingredients used.  Yellow mustard is made of powdered yellow mustard seeds, spices, and vinegar and has a mild flavor.  Dijon mustard, in comparison, has a more intense flavor and is made with brown or black mustard seeds and white wine instead of vinegar.

Did you make this recipe? I would love it if you left a comment or review! Be sure to sign up for the email list and follow “A Weekend Cook” on Pinterest and my Facebook page.