Dijon Vinaigrette

With basic pantry staples, you can whisk together this easy Dijon vinaigrette in just 5 minutes! The simple homemade dressing is tangy and bright with Dijon mustard, lemon, honey, and vinegar, making it the perfect everyday vinaigrette for salads and vegetables.

Before You Get Started

• Dijon mustard does double duty. It gives the dressing its signature tangy flavor while also acting as an emulsifier that helps the oil and vinegar come together.
• Use fresh lemon juice and good extra-virgin olive oil. With so few ingredients, their flavors really come through.
• Adjust it to your taste. Add a little more honey for sweetness, extra vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, or additional salt and pepper as needed.

This is my favorite go-to salad dressing!!

– Shaina Alissa

How to Make Dijon Vinaigrette

If you have 5 minutes, you can make a fresh homemade salad dressing that tastes so much better than the bottled stuff! Whisk it together in a bowl or use a jar with a tight-fitting lid for an even easier option.

Step 1: Whisk the Dijon Mixture

In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.

⇢ Apple cider vinegar is my go-to, but you can easily change the flavor of the dressing with red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or sherry vinegar.

Step 2: Add the Olive Oil

While whisking constantly, slowly stream in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and completely combined. Adding the oil gradually helps the ingredients emulsify, creating a cohesive dressing rather than separate layers of oil and vinegar.

⇢ For an even easier method, add all of the ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until combined.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, dip a piece of lettuce or another salad green into the vinaigrette and give it a taste. This is my favorite way to check the seasoning, since it gives you a much better idea of how the dressing will actually taste on your salad than sampling it straight from a spoon.

Add more salt and pepper as needed, a little extra honey for sweetness, or another splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a sharper dressing.

⇢ Customize the vinaigrette with minced fresh garlic or shallot, grated lemon zest, or fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, chives, basil, or oregano.

Ways to Use Dijon Vinaigrette

This simple dressing is a staple in our kitchen because it works with so many different salads.

• Greens: Toss the vinaigrette with tender spring greens, baby spinach, peppery arugula, crisp Romaine lettuce, or hearty kale.
• Add-ins: For a more substantial salad, add toasted nuts or seeds; grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese; tomatoes, cucumber, onion, celery, or carrots; dried cranberries or raisins; fresh berries, apples, or pears; citrus fruit such as oranges or grapefruit; or crunchy cornbread croutons.
• Other uses: The vinaigrette is also delicious on grain salads, cucumber tomato onion salad, roasted or steamed vegetables, or hearty salads topped with grilled chicken.

Preparation and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: You can make the Dijon vinaigrette several days in advance and store it in a jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The oil and vinegar will naturally separate as the dressing sits, so just shake the jar vigorously or whisk the vinaigrette again before serving.

Extra-virgin olive oil can become cloudy or firm when chilled. If that happens, let the dressing sit at room temperature briefly to soften, then shake or whisk until smooth before using.

If you’re tossing the vinaigrette with delicate lettuce or baby greens, wait to dress the salad until just before serving so that the greens don’t wilt. Heartier greens like kale can be dressed a little earlier, giving them time to soften and absorb the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dijon mustard do in vinaigrette?

Dijon mustard gives the vinaigrette its tangy, zesty flavor, but it also acts as an emulsifier. This helps the olive oil and vinegar combine into a smoother, more cohesive dressing.

What is the best vinegar to use in this dressing?

Apple cider vinegar is my favorite for this recipe, but red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, and sherry vinegar are all good options. Each one gives the dressing a slightly different flavor, so use whichever you enjoy or already have in the pantry.

Why did my vinaigrette separate?

Some separation is completely normal with a homemade vinaigrette, especially after it sits for a while. Simply whisk the dressing again or give the jar a vigorous shake before serving.

Can I make this without honey?

Yes. Omit the honey for a sharper, more savory dressing, or substitute maple syrup. You can also increase or decrease the amount of honey to make the vinaigrette sweeter or more tart.

Awesome easy dressing! Thanks so much!

– Andrea

More Homemade Salad Dressings

• Buttermilk Dressing
• Red Wine Vinegar Salad Dressing
• Honey Lemon Fruit Salad Dressing
• Honey Mustard Dressing