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.

this Recipe

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 vinaigrette, 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 salad dressing. 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’re not going to 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 mayonnaise or mason jar.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

• In a small jar with a lid, mix the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, attach the lid securely 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.

More Small Batch Condiments and Sauces.

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