Savory Herb Vinaigrette

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you've ever wondered how to elevate a simple salad into something spectacular, this Savory Herb Vinaigrette might just be your answer. It's a bright, zesty dressing packed with fresh herbs that can transform any dish with its bold flavors.

Ingredients for Savory Herb Vinaigrette

Olive oil is the base of our vinaigrette, offering a rich, smooth texture. Using a high-quality olive oil will enhance the overall flavor of your dressing.

Red wine vinegar gives the vinaigrette its tangy kick, balancing the richness of the olive oil with bright acidity.

Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the oil and vinegar while adding a subtle, sharp flavor.

Honey provides a touch of sweetness that softens the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.

Lemon juice adds fresh citrus notes, enhancing the overall brightness of the vinaigrette.

Minced garlic imparts a sharp, aromatic depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Fresh parsley and basil introduce a burst of herbal freshness, making the vinaigrette taste vibrant and lively.

Salt and black pepper bring all the flavors together, with the pepper adding a gentle heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best flavor, use fresh herbs rather than dried.
  • If your dressing separates, give it a good shake before serving.
  • Adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your taste by playing with the amounts of honey and vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

This vinaigrette is excellent drizzled over a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or as a marinade for chicken or fish. Even try it over a quinoa salad for a refreshing twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but the flavor will be less vibrant. If using dried herbs, use about a third of the amount called for fresh herbs.
How long will this vinaigrette last?
Stored in the refrigerator, it should last up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.

Savory Herb Vinaigrette Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a small bowl. First, whisk together your Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. The goal here is to combine these ingredients until they're smooth and well mixed.

Once that's done, slowly begin to drizzle in the olive oil while you keep whisking. This step is crucial for emulsifying the vinaigrette, which means you're creating a smooth, cohesive mixture that won't separate easily.

Now, toss in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped basil. Stir them in gently until they're evenly distributed throughout the dressing.

Finally, season your vinaigrette with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final whisk to make sure all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Transfer your finished vinaigrette into a sealable container for easy storage.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that bring any salad to life.
  • Customizable with herbs you have on hand.
  • Makes a versatile dressing that complements a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar until well combined.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the mixture.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped basil.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, whisking until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Transfer the vinaigrette to a sealable container for easy storage.

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