If you’re a Dijon mustard fan, you’ll love this Dijon vinaigrette. It’s incredibly versatile, bringing a depth of flavor to every bite, and best of all, it’s quick and simple to whip up.
Contents
Dijon vinaigrette recipe
Dijon vinaigrette is a popular salad dressing known for its zesty and bold flavor, primarily derived from Dijon mustard. This versatile dressing is often used not only on salads but also as a marinade for meats and vegetables or as a condiment for various dishes.
Dijon mustard vinaigrette originates from the Burgundy region in France, specifically the city of Dijon. In the 14th century, local artisans perfected the blend of Dijon mustard with vinegar and oil to create a dressing known for its balanced sharp, and tangy flavors, elevating dishes worldwide.
Here’s how to make the Dijon vinaigrette dressing:
Dijon vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for a touch of sweetness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and vinegar until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking continuously to emulsify the mixture.
- Add honey or maple syrup if you like a hint of sweetness.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately over salad greens, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips:
- Adjust the Acidity: Tailor the vinegar-to-oil ratio to your taste. The standard is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, but for a bolder flavor, try a 2:1 ratio.
- Add Sweetness: Add a hint of honey or sweet maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, if desired.
How to serve and pair
1. As Salad Dressing
- Bitter greens: endive, radicchio, arugula
- Tender lettuces: butter lettuce, mesclun, watercress
- Hearty greens: kale, spinach, swiss chard
- Mixed Greens: A classic pairing with arugula, spinach, or romaine
- Grain Salads: quinoa or couscous
- Vegetable Salads: roasted beets or a cucumber salad
- Pasta Salads: Mix into pasta salads for a zesty twist
2. As Marinade for meats such as chicken, fish, or pork. The acidity helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
| Protein Type | Best Application | Protein Pairings |
| Fish | Light drizzle | Grilled salmon or white fish |
| Poultry | Marinade or finish | Grilled chicken |
| Red Meat | Bold finishing sauce | Roasted beef |
| Drizzle | Drizzle | Great for vegetarian dishes |
3. As a Dip alongside antipasto platters featuring cured meats, cheeses, and olives.
4. As a Sauce
- Vegetables: Drizzle over vegetables to add a tangy kick:
- Raw Applications:
- Shaved vegetables: fennel, celery, carrots
- Crudité platters
- Sliced tomatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Cooked Applications:
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted root vegetables
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
- Raw Applications:
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese Plates: Serve alongside soft cheeses like goat cheese or feta.
Variations
1. Honey Dijon Vinaigrette:
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the base recipe to add a sweetness that balances acidity.
- Perfect for salads with bitter greens like arugula.
2. Herb Enhancement
Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or tarragon to the basic recipe to enhance the flavor and add a fresh, fragrant touch.
| Season | Recommended Herbs | Flavor Profile |
| Spring | Chives, Tarragon | Light, Fresh |
| Summer | Basil, Parsley | Bright, Aromatic |
| Fall | Sage, Thyme | Earthy, Robust |
| Winter | Rosemary, Oregano | Warm, Bold |
3. Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
- Replace vinegar with fresh lemon juice; add lemon zest for brightness.
- Pair well with summer salads and grilled veggies.
4. Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
- Substitute part of the vinegar with maple syrup (about 1 tablespoon) for sweetness.
- Great for drizzling over salads with nuts or roasted vegetables.
5. Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Replace the vinegar with balsamic vinegar but with less amount
- Pair well with salads that include fruits like strawberries or pears
6. Sweet Onion Dijon Vinaigrette
- Use finely minced sweet onions instead of shallots for a milder flavor.
- Complement salads featuring grilled chicken or fish.
7. Sherry Variation
- Substitute sherry vinegar for the standard vinegar. Sherry adds a nutty depth.
- Ideal for Mediterranean-style salads or as a marinade for meats
8. Apple Cider and Dijon Vinaigrette
- Use apple cider vinegar instead of the usual vinegar
- Great on autumn salads featuring roasted squash or apples
9. Creamy Dijon Vinaigrette
- Add 1 tablespoon of tahini or Greek yogurt.
- A creamy texture, ideal for drizzling over roasted veggies or as a dip.
10. Red Wine Addition
- Replace the vinegar with red wine vinegar for a robust flavor
- Work well with hearty salads containing ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes
11. Spicy Version
- Ingredients: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Notes: Adds a spicy kick, perfect for heartier salads or grilled meats.
12. Nutty Dressing
- Ingredients: Replace half the olive oil with a nut oil, like walnut or hazelnut.
- Notes: Add depth and richness, great for salads with nuts or seeds.
13. Asian-Inspired Vinaigrette
- Ingredients: Add sesame oil and rice vinegar to the basic recipe.
- Notes: This Asian twist works well in slaws or Asian-style salads.
