You’ll love this Dijon vinaigrette if you’re a Dijon mustard fan. This salad dressing is incredibly versatile, bringing a depth of flavor to every bite. Best of all, the condiment is quick and simple to whip up.
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Dijon vinaigrette recipe
Dijon vinaigrette is a popular and flavorful salad dressing. It’s known for its zesty and bold flavor, primarily derived from Dijon mustard. You can use this dressing for salads, 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. It pairs beautifully with many dishes with its balanced sharp and tangy flavors.
Use it as a marinade for chicken, steak, or seafood like shrimp and salmon, or spread it on sandwiches—especially Italian-style—for an extra kick. It’s perfect for tossing with greens like arugula or kale and works great in pasta salads with veggies, herbs, and cheese.
You can also use it to roast veggies like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. Drizzle it over grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or couscous. Try it on avocado toast for a zesty twist or serve it with soft cheeses like goat cheese or feta.
Here’s how to make the Dijon vinaigrette dressing:
Dijon vinaigrette
Nutrition
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.
SIMILAR RECIPES
Tips:
- 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 a hint of honey or sweet maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, if desired.
Variations
The Dijon dressing has many versions:
- Honey Dijon Vinaigrette adds 1 tablespoon of honey to add a sweetness that balances acidity. It’s perfect for salads with bitter greens like arugula.
- Herb Enhancement adds fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or tarragon to the basic recipe to enhance the flavor and add a fresh, fragrant touch.
- Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette replaces vinegar with fresh lemon juice; add lemon zest for brightness. It goes well with summer salads and grilled veggies.
- Maple Dijon Vinaigrette substitutes part of the vinegar with maple syrup (about 1 tablespoon) for sweetness. The version is great for drizzling over salads with nuts or roasted vegetables.
- Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette replaces the vinegar with balsamic vinegar but with less amount. It pairs well with salads that include fruits like strawberries or pears
- Sweet Onion Dijon Vinaigrette uses finely minced sweet onions instead of shallots for a milder flavor. It complements salads with grilled chicken or fish.
- Sherry Variation substitutes sherry vinegar for the standard vinegar for a nutty depth.
- Ideal for Mediterranean-style salads or as a marinade for meats
- Apple Cider and Dijon Vinaigrette uses apple cider vinegar instead of the usual vinegar. It’s great on autumn salads with roasted squash or apples
- Creamy Version adds 1 tablespoon of tahini or Greek yogurt.
- Red Wine Addition replaces the vinegar with red wine vinegar for a robust flavor. It works well with hearty salads with ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes.
- Spicy Version adds a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Nutty Dressing replaces half the olive oil with a nut oil, like walnut or hazelnut. It adds depth and richness for salads with nuts or seeds.
- Asian-Inspired Vinaigrette adds sesame oil and rice vinegar. This twist works well in slaws or Asian-style salads.