Champagne Vinaigrette: Light & Lively

If you’re a fan of the classic red wine vinaigrette, then you won’t want to miss out on the sophisticated charm of Champagne Vinaigrette. With its delicate yet vibrant flavor, this vinaigrette brings a subtle elegance to salads.

Champagne vinaigrette recipe

Champagne vinaigrette is a flavorful salad dressing made primarily with champagne vinegar, which is derived from the fermentation of wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Born in the heart of France’s gastronomy, this elegant dressing combines the sophisticated notes of champagne with classic vinaigrette elements.

If the red wine vinaigrette has a bolder, sharper flavor and higher acidity, the champagne dressing has a milder, more delicate flavor and lower acidity. It tends to be fruity and crisp with a gentle tanginess. On the other hand, the red wine salad dressing comes with a tangier and more robust flavor.

This champagne vinaigrette is suitable for light salads and dishes rather than richer dishes and salads with stronger ingredients. Here’s how to make the champagne vinaigrette:

Champagne vinaigrette

Bright, effervescent, and elegantly simple, this dressing transforms ordinary salads into sophisticated dishes. Perfect for delicate greens, fresh fruit salads, or drizzling over seafood.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine French

Servings 4

Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup Champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey optional, for a touch of sweetness
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl or jar, combine the Champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
• Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the vinaigrette is emulsified. Alternatively, shake all ingredients together in a sealed jar until well combined.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Keyword champagne vinaigrette, French vinaigrette, healthy salad dressing, homemade salad dressing

How to serve and pair

1. Salad Combinations

• Green Salads: Baby greens, endive, frisée
• Grain Salads: Quinoa, farro, wild rice, barley
• Fruit Salads: Pear, apple, dried cranberries
• Italian Salad: Butter lettuce, red grapes, mini cucumbers, cippolini onions, walnuts, goat mozzarella, and salami
• Holiday Salad: Mixed greens topped with pomegranate, oranges, feta cheese, and nuts. 
• Harvest Salad: Grilled chicken with romaine lettuce, apples, blueberries, and gorgonzola cheese

2. Drizzle over Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables:
  • Brussels sprouts, delicata squash, and fingerling potatoes
  • Add a tangy flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the veggies
• Grilled or Roasted Asparagus

3. Marinades

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Help tenderize the meat while adding flavor

4. Serve on the side with Cheese to enhance their flavors subtly

• Gat cheese
• Feta

5. Sandwiches and Wraps

• Wraps with greens, proteins, and toppings
• Sub Sandwiches: Add a splash of champagne vinaigrette for extra moisture and flavor, enhancing without overpowering.

Variations

1. Herb Champagne Vinaigrette

2. Citrus Version: Citrus elements enhance the natural brightness of champagne salad dressing.

• Lemon or orange zest
• Fresh orange juice
• Yuzu

3. Garlic Champagne Dressing: Include minced garlic for a bold flavor, perfect for hearty salads.

4. Maple Adaption: Swap honey for maple syrup to add a warm sweetness, ideal for fall salads with roasted veggies.

5. Creamy Variation: Whisk in Greek yogurt or mayo for a creamy touch, perfect for richer salads.

6. Special Dietary Options:

Discover More:

Dijon Vinaigrette: Quick & Zesty Shallot Vinaigrette Recipe: Quick & Tasty Raspberry Vinaigrette: Sweet, Tangy, and Simple Basic Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe Sherry Vinaigrette: the Wine Magic Citrus Vinaigrette: A Tangy Twist for Salads