This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Please read our disclosure policy.
Why I Love This Vinaigrette
This creamy Dijon vinaigrette is the salad dressing I make all year long, with such frequency that I’ve termed it my “house dressing.” And once the lettuce starts coming in from the spring garden, it’s constantly in my fridge. Think of it as one of those recipes that feels almost too simple to write down, but once you have the balance right, it becomes the dressing you reach for weekly, maybe even daily.
The thing I love the most: it’s super practical! You can whisk it in a bowl, but I almost always make it in a jar, especially if there is a little Dijon left in the bottom. Nothing wasted, nothing fussy, and in a minute or two, you have a dressing that tastes fresh and bright, and can be perfected to however you like it.
Here’s why you’ll love this creamy Dijon vinaigrette:
- It’s creamy without any cream, thanks to the Dijon and the magic of emulsification.
- A little honey rounds everything out without making it sweet.
- Super easy to tweak once you know the base recipe.
- Perfect to make once per week and have ready in the fridge since it lasts for days.
Dijon Vinaigrette Ingredients
There are 8 simple ingredients to make this classic vinaigrette dressing:
- Dijon mustard – This gives the dressing body and that signature tangy flavor.
- Garlic – For a little sharpness and savoriness.
- Shallot – Mild onion flavor that makes the dressing taste fresh.
- Kosher salt and black pepper – Season the whole dressing.
- Honey – Balances the acid and salt. I give a range because you can choose the amount you want to add to the dressing, depending on how you like it.
- Champagne vinegar – Light, bright acidity.
- Olive oil – Brings everything together to form a smooth vinaigrette.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make This Creamy Dijon Vinaigrette
There are 2 easy steps to prepare this vinaigrette:
Step 1: Mix the base – In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Dijon mustard, garlic, shallot, salt, black pepper, honey, and champagne vinegar until fully combined.
Step 2: Add the oil – Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. If making it in a jar, seal with a lid and shake until creamy. Dip in a piece of lettuce and taste the dressing. Adjust the honey, salt, or black pepper as needed. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Recipe Tips
- Use the Dijon jar – If you have a little mustard left in the jar, make the dressing right in it. It’s super easy to shake, and you use every last bit. No food waste here, which I love!
- Taste it on lettuce – A vinaigrette can taste stronger on a spoon than it does on salad. Testing it on some type of green gives you a much better sense of the final flavor.
- Make it your house dressing – Use a little more Dijon for a thicker, creamier feel, or swap the champagne vinegar for lemon juice or another mild vinegar when you want a slightly different flavor. This is the base recipe upon which you can build your dream dressing!
Follow These Tips
Serving & Storage
Serving – This creamy Dijon vinaigrette is perfect over a simple green salad, especially one with crisp lettuce, cucumber, radishes, baked chicken breast, and/or fresh herbs. It’s also really good drizzled over roasted vegetables or on top of a grain bowl when you want something bright to pull everything together.
Storage – Store in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes if the olive oil firms up in the refrigerator, then shake or whisk again before serving.
More Dressing Recipes
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Dijon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tbsp minced shallot
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1-2 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp champagne vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, garlic, shallot, salt, black pepper, honey, and champagne vinegar until combined.1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic, 2 tbsp minced shallot, ¾ tsp kosher salt, ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1-2 tsp honey, 2 tbsp champagne vinegar
- Add the oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until completely combined. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 10 days.⅓ cup olive oil
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
