A Guide to French Salad Dressings and How to Make Them

French cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and culinary techniques, and one staple that stands out is the art of salad dressings. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh green salad or using it as a marinade for vegetables, understanding French salad dressings can elevate your cooking. In this guide, we will explore the classic French salad dressings and provide simple recipes to help you recreate them at home.

1. Vinaigrette

The quintessential French dressing, vinaigrette, is simple yet versatile. It typically consists of three parts oil to one part vinegar, but you can adjust to taste. Here’s how to make a basic vinaigrette:

  • Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Dijon mustard, minced garlic, or herbs for extra flavor

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. SLOWLY add the olive oil while continuously whisking until emulsified.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for a few days.

2. Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Italian-inspired dressing offers a sweet and tangy profile that complements a variety of salads. It's particularly good with roasted vegetables or mixed greens. Here’s a simple recipe:

  • Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Slowly whisk in olive oil until the dressing is smooth and well mixed.
  3. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Creamy Garlic Dressing

This dressing is rich, creamy, and packed with garlic flavor, making it perfect for hearty salads. Use this dressing on potato salads or classic wedge salads:

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until fully combined.
  3. For a thinner consistency, add a little water or milk. Serve chilled.

4. Mustard Vinaigrette

This dressing adds an incredible punch to salads, especially mixed greens or grain-based salads. It's also a fantastic dip for fresh vegetables:

  • Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Whisk together the white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
  2. Gradually add the olive oil while whisking continuously. The dressing should emulsify into a creamy texture.
  3. Season with salt and pepper. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

5. Herbed Dressing

Fresh herbs can fundamentally change the taste of a dressing. This herbed version can brighten any salad, especially those featuring robust vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers:

  • Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, or basil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: