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A vinaigrette doesn’t require a recipe—just a little knowledge about mixing oil and vinegar. Learn how you can use a basic ratio to make delicious, customizable vinaigrettes.

How to make vinaigrette

basics

A vinaigrette starts with oil and acid. In combination, they help the vinaigrette coat and cling to food, while adding

Most oils are neutral in flavor, but some nut oils (such as walnut or hazelnut) impart stronger flavor. If using a strong-flavor oil, use half as much, and use a mild oil (such as olive oil) for the other half needed. Start by using an oil you’re familiar with, then consider experimenting with other varieties. Here are some suggestions:

Acids such as vinegar and citrus juice add flavor and tanginess to dressings. Choose an acid that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. For example, distilled white vinegar’s flavor is too harsh for most dressing recipes. Here are some suggestions:

Choosing the Oil

Selecting the Acid

• Avocado oil (nutty, buttery) • Canola oil (mild, neutral) • Olive oil (delicate, mild) • Peanut oil (light, nutty) • Vegetable oil (light, neutral)

• Apple cider flavored vinegar (sharp, tart apple) • Balsamic vinegar (sharp, rich, hint of sweetness) • Fresh lemon juice (sour, tangy) • Red wine vinegar (tangy, fruity, grape flavor) • White wine vinegar (delicate, lightly fruity)

Finish with Seasonings or Mix-Ins

Here’s the fun part! Once you have your base vinaigrette, it’s as simple as picking ingredients to add flavor and texture. Even a dash of salt and black pepper is enough to upgrade a simple vinaigrette. Here are some suggestions:

• Crisp-cooked crumbled bacon • Crushed red pepper • Dijon mustard • Garlic • Granulated sugar • Grated onion or shallot • Grated Parmesan cheese

Oil and acid naturally separate. When the two are mixed (like in a vinaigrette), oil droplets are temporarily dispersed throughout the acid, creating balance.

Mix It All Together

Pour all ingredients into a jar with a screw-top lid. Shake vigorously for several seconds until thoroughly mixed.

Combine all ingredients except oil in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Quickly whisk the ingredients together, and slowly pour in the oil while continuously stirring.

Add the acid and other flavorings to the pitcher and blend until smooth. Blend on low speed while slowly pouring in the oil.

Portion size and storage

A typical single serving of vinaigrette is between 1 and 2 Tbsp. If you find yourself with leftovers, refrigerate for up to 5 days in a sealed container.

vinaigrette combos to try

The possibilities are nearly endless—here are a few inspirations to get you started.

flavor. Simply combine 3 parts oil and 1 part acid for a flavorful, balanced vinaigrette. Voila! Now you have a basic vinaigrette with the opportunity to flavor how you see fit.

Person pouring liquids inside a blender and mixing it.

Jar

Whisk

Blender

Hy-Vee vegetable oil + Gustare Vita white wine vinegar + Hy-Vee Dijon mustard + garlic + Hy-Vee salt and pepper + Hy-Vee honey

To better prevent your vinaigrette from separating, use an emulsifier such as mustard, mayo or honey to help bind the oil and acid together. Make sure the flavor of the emulsifier you use works with the flavor of the vinaigrette you’re making. Here are a few easy ways to mix:

Honey Mustard

Mason jar containing italian vinaigrette.

Mason jar containing honey-dijon bacon vinaigrette.

Mason jar containing honey mustard vinaigrette.

Mason jar containing poppy seed vinaigrette.

Italian

Poppy Seed

Honey-Dijon Bacon

(such as dill, basil and thyme)

Gustare Vita extra virgin olive oil + fresh lemon juice + Soirée Parmesan cheese + Hy-Vee Italian seasoning + Hy-Vee salt and pepper + Hy-Vee honey

Hy-Vee canola oil + Gustare Vita white wine vinegar + grated onion + Hy-Vee Dijon mustard + poppy seeds + Hy-Vee salt and pepper and Hy-Vee granulated sugar

Hy-Vee canola oil + Hy-Vee apple cider flavored vinegar + Hy-Vee cooked crumbled bacon + Hy-Vee Dijon mustard + grated onion + Hy-Vee salt and pepper + Hy-Vee brown sugar

• Honey • Italian seasoning • Packed brown sugar • Poppy seeds • Pure maple syrup • Dried herbs

Honey Mustard

Italian

Poppy Seed

Honey-Dijon Bacon

Motion

Honey Mustard

Italian

Poppy seed

Honey-Dijon Bacon