French Dressing : Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette easy recipe

French

This Dijon mustard French dressing offers a smooth balance of acidity, creaminess, and richness.

Easy to adapt, this vinaigrette enhances salads, vegetables, and grain bowls, and adjusts effortlessly to seasonal ingredients or personal taste.

Easy Dijon Mustard French Dressing Recipe

I won’t pretend this Dijon vinaigrette is the only dressing I rely on, because for me, the perfect sauce always depends on what I’m making, and the mood of the moment.

Some days I leave the mustard aside and reach for freshly squeezed lemon juice to bring a bright, lively acidity.

Other times, I’ll whisk in a spoonful of mayonnaise for a silkier texture or add herbs like thyme or bay leaf to create a more aromatic layer.

A touch of crushed garlic can also transform the flavor, giving the dressing a pleasant depth.

What I love most is how adaptable a simple vinaigrette can be.

It shifts effortlessly with the ingredients you have on hand, the season, and the style of dish you want to highlight, making every bowl feel uniquely yours.

Ingredients for a Smooth, Well-Balanced Vinaigrette

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard : Adds body and helps the vinaigrette emulsify. A stronger Dijon gives more bite; a milder version offers a gentler flavor.
• 3 tablespoons vinegar : Red or white wine vinegar works well. For a softer acidity, apple cider vinegar is a great alternative.
• 2 pinches of salt : Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity. Adjust based on your vinegar and the type of salad.
• 5 tablespoons olive oil : Choose a mild, fruity olive oil for a round, harmonious finish. It gives the vinaigrette its silky texture.
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional) : Adds a subtle, fragrant kick. Adjust depending on the salad you’re serving.

How to Make this Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

• Start by dissolving the salt in the vinegar : Mix for a few seconds to ensure the salt fully dissolves, this prevents gritty textures and creates a smooth, balanced base.
• Add the Dijon mustard and whisk : Blend with a fork or small whisk until smooth. The mixture will already begin to emulsify.
• Pour in the olive oil slowly while whisking : Add the oil in a thin stream while whisking continuously. This creates a stable, creamy vinaigrette that doesn’t separate easily.
• Finish with freshly ground pepper : Taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and whisk again. Adapt the final seasoning to your chosen salad.

How to Adjust Your Vinaigrette to Match Your Taste

• To make it thicker : Add a bit more mustard, or whisk in some mayonnaise or yogurt for a creamier texture.
• To make it lighter : Stir in a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor.
• To make it sweeter : Add a touch of honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of sugar. Great for salads with fruit or bitter greens.
• To make it spicier : Add freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of garlic, stronger mustard, or a few drops of hot sauce.
• If the vinaigrette is too acidic : Balance it with a little more oil or a tiny amount of sweetener.
• If the vinaigrette is too salty : Add more oil, water, or vinegar depending on the flavor you want to adjust.

Delicious Vinaigrette Variations

– Mango vinaigrette : Perfect for tropical salads or dishes with salmon. The blended mango adds sweetness and a velvety texture.

– Rémoulade-style vinaigrette : A thicker, mayo-like version that coats crunchy vegetables beautifully.

– Classic Caesar-style dressing : A creamy emulsion with a splash of milk and grated Parmesan, ideal for hearty salads.

– Orange juice vinaigrette : Fresh and lightly sweet, great for autumn salads with squash or grains like barley.

– Honey mustard vinaigrette : A sweet-savory favorite. Honey softens the mustard’s sharpness and adds shine, amazing with chicken or veggie bowls.

– Whole-grain mustard vinaigrette : Adds texture and a rustic flavor. Perfect for potato salads, lentil dishes, or warm vegetable bowls.

– Vinegar-free vinaigrette : Replace vinegar with lemon or orange juice for a softer, citrusy acidity.

– Creamy yogurt vinaigrette : Light, refreshing, and subtly tangy, great with cucumber or summer salads.

– Lemon vinaigrette : Bright, zesty, and fragrant, ideal for green salads and grilled vegetables.

– Strawberry and feta dressing : I shared this version with you when preparing Summer Strawberry, pecan and Feta Salad

Other basic recipes to try

• Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe
• Creamy Alfredo Sauce
• Bechamel Sauce for lasagna, pasta and more
• The Best Homemade Bolognese Sauce : Spaghetti Sauce