Red Wine Vinaigrette is my go-to condiment for brightening meals. I love its perfect balance of tangy and sweet. This salad dressing is easy to make with only five simple ingredients. You can whip it up in under five minutes.
Contents
red wine vinaigrette recipe
Red wine vinaigrette dressing is a versatile and tangy salad dressing. It’s made primarily from red wine vinegar, olive oil, and additional flavorings like mustard, garlic, and herbs. It’s tangy and smooth, versatile enough for various dishes, and easy to make.
If you’re new to making your own dressings, start with the red wine vinaigrette dressing. It’s forgiving, delicious, and endlessly customizable.
Red wine vinaigrette works wonders in salads. Drizzle it over leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, and pair it with goat cheese, dried fruits, or roasted veggies for a tangy balance. It also adds flavor to pasta or grain-based salads, like quinoa or farro.
You can use it to marinate chicken, fish, or tofu, toss it with vegetables before roasting for a caramelized exterior, or drizzle it over hot roasted veggies for a fresh contrast. It’s also great as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, and a dipping sauce for bread or veggies.
Here’s how to make the red wine vinaigrette dressing:
Easy and Simple Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, for sweetness
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (if using), and minced garlic.
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust the flavors as desired (more vinegar for tanginess, more honey for sweetness).
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Similar Recipes:
You can replace the red wine vinegar with various alternatives when it’s unavailable or create unique flavor profiles.
| Substitute | Flavor Profile | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| White wine vinegar | Milder, less fruity | Lighter salads, seafood |
| Apple cider vinegar | Fruity, slightly sweet | Fruit salads, pork dishes |
| Sherry vinegar | Complex, nutty | Robust salads, Spanish cuisine |
| Balsamic vinegar | Sweet, syrupy | Caprese salad, drizzling over cheese |
| Lemon juice | Bright, citrusy | Mediterranean dishes, chicken |
Variations on the classic
Here are some unique variations of the red wine dressing:
- Balsamic Red Wine Vinaigrette combines the robustness of red wine vinegar with the sweet complexity of balsamic. This variation offers a more nuanced flavor profile, perfect for fruit-based or robust salads.
- Replace half the red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar
- Increase honey to 2 teaspoons
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Herb-infused vinaigrette elevates the classic recipe with aromatic botanicals.
- Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs or 2 teaspoons of dried herbs to the base recipe
- Rest for at least 30 minutes
- Spicy red wine vinaigrette introduces heat to complement the dressing’s tangy profile. This variation pairs exceptionally well with rich, hearty salads. You can try
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce