Call us old-fashioned, but when we see an undressed salad, we can’t help but blush a little and avert our eyes.

Don’t get us wrong - crisp leafy greens topped with fresh fruit and veggies make our hearts swoon, but what really gives a salad that special oomph that keeps us stabbing at our plate for more is a delicious dressing or vinaigrette.

As the summer season approaches and salads increasingly take over our lunch and dinner menus, we want to share a few simple tips and recipes for creating vinaigrettes that’ll jazz up all of your favorite salads.

Make Your Own

Firstly, when it comes to dressings and vinaigrettes, forego the conventional pre-packaged ones found at the grocery store. Most of these contain a lot of sugar and preservatives, and many are lurking with gluten. Instead, make your vinaigrettes at home. The result is a healthier dressing that you can confidently enjoy and share with your family.

What is a Vinaigrette?

The basic recipe for a vinaigrette is 3 parts of oil to 1 part of vinegar, whisked into an emulsion and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Common Oils

Extra virgin olive oil, safflower oil, walnut oil, avocado oil

Common Vinegars

White wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, raspberry vinegar, rice vinegar

Mix It Up

Whisking is the ideal way to combine your dressing. Begin by whisking the vinegar and salt together, then slowly pour in the oil before drizzling over your salad. Alternatively, you can combine your vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar, close the jar and shake everything together. If leftovers exist, simply seal the jar and store in the refrigerator.

Use an Emulsifier

If you want a smooth consistency in which the oil and vinegar don’t separate, you’ll have to use an emulsifier. Dijon mustard works especially well.

Spice It Up

We’re huge proponents for seasoning your vinaigrette with freshly ground spices. Try adding organic cumin, organic cayenne pepper or organic coriander for exciting variations.

Don’t Forget the Herbs

Organic tarragon, thyme, basil, chives and parsely work wonderfully.

Other Add-Ins

Fresh lemon juice, citrus zest, honey, grated onion and fresh ginger make excellent additions.

Get Creative!

Use your own favorite tastes to create your very own vinaigrettes or add your own twist to some of our recipes below.

Spiced Balsamic Vinaigrette

½ cup olive oil

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

½ tsp Dijon mustard

1 shallot, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp organic cumin ground

¼ tsp organic chili pepper, crushed

salt and ground pepper to taste

Fines Herbs Vinaigrette

1/2 cup walnut oil

3 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tbsp organic Fines Herbes Seasoning

1 shallot, minced

1 tsp Dijon mustard

juice of ½ lemon

salt and ground pepper, to taste

Spicy Honey Vinaigrette

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 tbsp rice vinegar

½ tsp fish sauce

½ tsp organic chili powder

¼ tsp Dijon mustard

zest and juice of 1 lime

salt and black pepper, to taste

Garlic Herb Vinaigrette

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp organic garlic, granulates

2 tsp dried herbs (organic basil. organic basil, organic oregano, organic chives or organic thyme work well)

salt and black pepper, to taste

Country Vinaigrette

½ cup olive oil

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp Country Vinaigrette Seasoning country Vinargrette Seasoning