Classic French Vinaigrette
This Classic French Vinaigrette is a timeless salad dressing that balances tangy vinegar and rich oil to elevate any salad. Rich in flavor yet simple in ingredients, it offers a refreshing zing that caters to a variety of dietary preferences. The optional garlic infusion adds a depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the crispness of fresh vegetables. Adjust the sweetness to your liking with additional sugar if you find the acidity too sharp. This recipe hails from the United States Regional Cookbook published by the Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago in 1947, ensuring a traditional approach to a beloved staple. Perfect for drizzling over greens, using as a marinade, or dipping fresh bread.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic clove
1 (optional, whole, for infusion)
Vinegar
1 cup (any variety you prefer)
Dry mustard
2 teaspoons (preferably Coleman's)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (adjustable to taste)
Salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground preferred)
Salad oil
2 cups (olive oil recommended)
Instructions
1
If using garlic, soak the whole clove in the vinegar for 30 minutes to infuse the flavor; afterward, discard the garlic clove.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: dry mustard, sugar, salt, paprika, and pepper.
3
Transfer the dry mixture into a covered jar or bottle suitable for shaking.
4
Pour the infused vinegar into the jar with the dry mixture and stir gently to combine.
5
Gradually add the salad oil to the jar while stirring or shaking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
6
Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate the dressing until you're ready to serve. It can sit for a few days for the flavors to meld.
7
Before serving, shake the jar vigorously for about two minutes to recombine the ingredients, and enjoy your freshly made Classic French Vinaigrette!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic French Vinaigrette?
Classic French Vinaigrette is a timeless salad dressing that balances tangy vinegar and rich oil to elevate any salad with a refreshing zing.
What are the main ingredients for this vinaigrette?
The main ingredients include a garlic clove, vinegar, dry mustard, sugar, salt, paprika, pepper, and salad oil.
How do I infuse garlic into the dressing?
Soak a whole garlic clove in the vinegar for 30 minutes to infuse the flavor, then discard the clove before mixing other ingredients.
What type of mustard is recommended for this recipe?
Preferably Coleman's dry mustard should be used for the best results.
How much vinegar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of vinegar of any variety you prefer.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking if you find the acidity of the vinegar too sharp.
What type of oil is recommended?
Olive oil is highly recommended for the 2 cups of salad oil required in this recipe.
What is the origin of this Classic French Vinaigrette recipe?
This recipe originates from the United States Regional Cookbook published by the Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago in 1947.
Is this vinaigrette healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and diabetic-friendly dressing option.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
How should I combine the dry ingredients?
Combine the dry mustard, sugar, salt, paprika, and pepper in a mixing bowl before transferring them to a jar.
What is the best way to emulsify the dressing?
Gradually add the salad oil to the jar while stirring or shaking continuously to create a smooth emulsion.
Does the dressing need to be refrigerated?
Yes, seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
How long can the dressing sit before use?
The dressing can sit for a few days in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
What should I do right before serving the vinaigrette?
Shake the jar vigorously for about two minutes to recombine the ingredients.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Yes, it is excellent for drizzling over greens, as a marinade, or for dipping fresh bread.
Why is paprika included in the recipe?
Paprika is used to add a subtle depth of flavor and color to the dressing.
How much salt is used?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of salt, which can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Is the garlic mandatory?
No, the garlic clove is optional and intended only for infusion purposes.
What kind of container is best for mixing?
A covered jar or bottle suitable for shaking is the best container for this recipe.
What type of pepper is preferred?
Freshly ground pepper is preferred for the 1/2 teaspoon required.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy, homemade classic recipe.
What category of food does this fall into?
It falls under the category of Salad Dressings.
Can I use any variety of vinegar?
Yes, the recipe allows for any variety of vinegar you prefer.
Does the recipe contain any nutritional information?
The recipe currently has no specific caloric or macronutrient data provided.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be kept whole for infusion and then discarded.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the proportions can be scaled up as needed following the same ratios.
How long does the infusion take?
The garlic infusion takes 30 minutes.
Is sugar necessary?
Sugar is used to balance the acidity but can be adjusted to your preference.