How to Make a Simple and Satisfying Vinaigrette

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By The Paula Deen Test Kitchen

Now that summer is here, nothing beats a simple lunch of freshly picked baby lettuces tossed with homemade vinaigrette. A straightforward yet well-made vinaigrette is what makes a boring bland salad into a scrumptious one. And it’s probably easier than you think. Follow these easy instructions and have yourself your own homemade dressing in no time.

Step 1: It’s important to start with topnotch ingredients. There are only a few items in vinaigrette so make them count.

Step 2: Add a smidge of mustard to a small bowl. This not only adds a bit of flavor but also is the key in an emulsified dressing. (Emulsifying means combining two liquids that do not combine together like oil and vinegar.) The mustard helps join the oil and vinegar together into one smooth liquid.

Paula also likes to use a small smidge of mayonnaise, which also has emulsifying properties. She likes the touch of creaminess it adds to the dressing.

Step 3: Next add your vinegar or acid. If making a lemon vinaigrette (like we’re showcasing here) use freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Whisk it to combine with the Dijon and mayonnaise.

Step 4: Very slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking. Do this slowly so the oil and lemon juice become completely combined.

Step 5: Season the dressing with salt and pepper. If you want, this is when you would add your herbs or other seasonings.

Step 6: Dress your greens only just before serving. You don’t want the vinaigrette to weigh down your greens.

Step 7: Enjoy!

SIMPLE ADDITIONS
Now that you’ve mastered the simple vinaigrette, try adding a few of these ingredients to make your own unique dressing:
+Try different kinds of citrus or vinegars such as balsamic, red wine, white wine, or apple cider vinegar.
+Fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, thyme, or basil
+Minced garlic
+Minced onion or shallot
+Add a pinch of sugar for a subtle sweetness
+ Add a pinch of spices like cumin or paprika to give your dressing a distinct flavor profile.

SIMPLE LEMON VINAIGRETTE
1 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon mayonnaise
Juice of 1 lemon (about 4 tablespoons lemon juice)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Add Dijon and mayonnaise to a small bowl. Add lemon juice and whisk together. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking. Continue whisking until emulsified. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.

MAKES ¾ cup

Reader Comments:

Paula. Jamie made a salad dressing on his show that had a mayo base.Then he add soe blue cheese I would love this recipe Thanks Carol Ernest

By Carol Ernest on April 18, 2013

I love watching all your shows, and your sons show as well.I have learn to cook a lot of different food, thanks and keep up the good work, we love you all.

By mickie on April 18, 2013

Paula, It was so hard to move so far away, but I took you with me! When we arrived in Germany, I was so sad, and had a TINY kitchen. The movers kept bringing in boxes, with no where to put anything. I started to unpack not knowing where it would all go. My eyes filled with tears, and my 19 year old son said, "Hey, look Mom... you have a friend here!" He said, "Look, it's Paula!!!" There in the top of the box was your "Friends" cookbook. It was such a comfort from home. We Love You!

By Jennifer Turk on June 07, 2012

So yummy!!!

By Anonymous on June 06, 2012

Hey, Paula! I watch your TV show at every opportunity. As one who loves to cook (especially from scratch), at age 74+ I find I'm still learning something new nearly every day, often from you. You make cooking fun and interesting, and you appear to be very natural and unpretentious...that's why you're so popular!

By Carol Starkey on June 06, 2012

question: Your call this a vinaigrette dressing but I was copying this and where is the vinegar in this recipe. thank you

By Barbara Szemanski on June 05, 2012

I love the lemon & mustard, salad dressing. It is great. Thanks

By jeannie on June 02, 2012

Sounds so good can't wait to try it

By Anonymous on June 01, 2012

Love your recipes and your cooking show's1

By Linda Helton on June 01, 2012

Paula I love your Southern Cooking, it reminds me of South African traditional soul foods. Thank you for such beautiful recipes and a great show. We watch it religiously. I love your show!!!!!!! God bless and take care.

By Sheilla Dunn on May 31, 2012

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How to Make a Simple and Satisfying Vinaigrette

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