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Home » Salads

Simple Vinaigrette

Published: Feb 25, 2026 by Misty Tannery · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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If you’re looking for a simple vinaigrette recipe that tastes just like the classic house dressing from your favorite steakhouse, this is it! Made with pantry staples and fresh, wholesome ingredients, this homemade vinaigrette is light, flavorful, and so much better for you than most store-bought dressings. With the perfect balance of tangy vinegar, smooth olive oil, and just the right touch of seasoning, it brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Not only is this easy homemade vinaigrette quick to shake together, but it’s also customizable and free from unnecessary preservatives and added sugars often found in bottled salad dressings. Drizzle it over crisp green salads, spoon it onto roasted vegetables, or use it as a marinade for chicken. Once you see how simple it is to make your own healthy vinaigrette dressing at home, you may never go back to store-bought again!

Close-up of vinaigrette dripping from a spoon into the bowl, highlighting its glossy texture.
A close-up look at this glossy, restaurant-style vinaigrette.

This dressing is perfect for everyday salads and even as a marinade for grilled chicken! If you like greek style dressings you should try THIS recipe!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions
  • Serving
  • Add Ins
  • More Salads/Dressings to Try
  • Quick Weeknight Meals to Try

Ingredients

Ingredients for simple vinaigrette labeled on a countertop including olive oil, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings.
Simple pantry ingredients are all you need to make this homemade vinaigrette.
  • good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • red wine vinegar
  • white wine vinegar
  • dijon mustard
  • fresh garlic
  • salt/cracked pepper

See exact quantities in recipe card below.

Instructions

First, add all of the measured ingredients to a mason jar, cruet, or any jar with a tight-fitting lid. Next, seal the lid securely and shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and well combined. You can serve it immediately, or alternatively, store it in the refrigerator for later use. See how easy this dressing comes together in the video!





Hint: Because this homemade vinaigrette contains no preservatives and is made with olive oil, it may firm up slightly when chilled. However, simply run the jar under warm water for a minute or two, then shake again until the dressing is smooth and fully blended.

Substitutions

  • Vinegar - using all red wine vinegar totally works for this dressing. I personally like the balance of the white and red, but that is a preference.
  • Dijon Mustard - using a stone ground mustard also works

Serving

This dressing is amazing on a field green salad just as much as a butter crisp salad. Toss your salad with any toppings you love and add some splashes of this dressing. A little goes a long way. I bet you love it!

Spoonful of vinaigrette held above a bowl with visible black pepper and seasonings throughout the dressing.
Freshly cracked pepper adds bold flavor to this classic house vinaigrette.

Add Ins

Once you master this basic vinaigrette you can mix things up a bit! Adding dill, thyme or parsley are all great add ins to help change up the flavor a bit! If you like a less pungent vinaigrette you can try rice vinegar too!

More Salads/Dressings to Try

  • Asian Inspired Grilled Chicken Salad
  • Greek Inspired Grilled Chicken Salad
  • Green Salad with Oranges and Grapes with Orange Juice Vinaigrette
  • Fiesta Salad
Spoon lifting vinaigrette as dressing drizzles back into the bowl in a smooth stream.
The perfect consistency—smooth, pourable, and beautifully emulsified.

Quick Weeknight Meals to Try

  • chicken burrito in a skillet with beans and rice
    Chicken Burrito Skillet
  • cheeseburger macaroni
    Cheeseburger Macaroni
  • Hearty 30-minute weeknight dinner served pasta and fresh herbs on top.
    Weeknight Chicken with Tomatoes
  • Stir Fry Beef with Bell Peppers with rice or noodles
    Stir Fry Beef with Peppers

Close-up of vinaigrette dripping from a spoon into the bowl, highlighting its glossy texture.
Print Recipe

Simple Vinaigrette

Make a simple, delicious and better for you vinaigrette with just a few pantry ingredients. Perfect for salads and marinades
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade dressing, vinaigrette
Servings: 4
Calories: 123kcal
Author: Misty Tannery

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove small, about ¼ teaspoon
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon or Stone Ground Mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Add all of the measured ingredients to a mason jar, cruet, or any jar with a tight-fitting lid.
    Seal the lid securely and shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and well combined.
    Serve it immediately, or alternatively, store it in the refrigerator for later use.

Notes

If the dressing becomes more solid in the refrigerator, simply run the jar under warm water to loosen. Then re-shake jar to combine. 

Nutrition

Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.4g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.03g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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    Best Summer Fruit Salad
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Misty Tannery-Learned it from My Mom Profile

Thank you for being here! I’m a home cook and food blogger sharing easy, delicious recipes made with love—just like my mom taught me! From quick weeknight dinners to sweet Southern desserts, I post new recipes daily to keep your kitchen inspired. Follow for family favorites, holiday treats, and everyday meals you’ll actually want to make!

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