Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette (2024)

Whisk up a flavourful Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette in minutes! This zesty dressing combines the rich tang of Dijon mustard with the brightness of apple cider vinegar and the smoothness of olive oil.

Why You’ll Love Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

Dijon mustard vinaigrette is a champion of salad dressings. Unlike store-bought varieties loaded with sugar and preservatives, this homemade version offers a clean and customisable flavour profile.

With just a handful of pantry staples – olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper – you can whip up a fresh and flavourful dressing in minutes.

Its simplicity is deceptive, though. The unique tang and robust flavour of Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of olive oil, while the vinegar adds a welcome brightness.

This perfect balance elevates any salad, from a bed of crisp greens to a hearty combination of roasted vegetables and quinoa.

The beauty of Dijon mustard vinaigrette lies in its versatility. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor this classic dressing to your personal preferences and dietary needs that works well for simple green salads to more complex creations.

With its ease of preparation, clean ingredients, and endless adaptability, Dijon mustard vinaigrette is a must-have condiment for any kitchen.

What Is Dijon Dressing Made Of?

Dijon dressing, also known as Dijon mustard vinaigrette or French mustard dressing, is typically made of Dijon mustard, vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar), olive oil, and seasonings.

Additional ingredients like honey, garlic, shallots, lemon juice, or herbs may also be added for extra flavour. The dressing is emulsified by whisking or blending the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

Dijon dressing is commonly used as a salad dressing but can also be used as a marinade or sauce for various dishes.

Some other fun recipes include Dijon mustard lime dressing and mustard red wine vinaigrette.

Does Mustard Emulsify a Vinaigrette?

A traditional vinaigrette consists of 3 parts oil and 1 part vinegar. This is known as “water-in-oil” emulsification, as vinegar is 95% water, and as we all know, oil and water do not mix.

Mustard is known as one of the best emulsifiers. It essentially bridges the gap between oil and vinegar, allowing them to bind together and form a stable suspension.

This is because the outer coating of mustard seeds contains a substance called mucilage, whereby one end of the molecule attracts water (vinegar) while the other end attracts oil.

Why Do So Many Salad Dressing Recipes Call for Dijon Mustard?

Dijon mustard continues to play an important ingredient in many simple salad dressings.

As mentioned above, it is the perfect emulsifier and brings stability to an otherwise volatile combination.

But apart from that, it is also popular because it offers a unique tang and slightly spicy flavour, works as a natural thickener, giving salad dressings a creamier finish, and is a pantry staple that is always within easy reach.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need for Dijon mustard vinaigrette:

Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil would be the best bet for making a vinaigrette. Ensure you get a good quality one to allow for that rich and creamy finish.

Apple cider vinegar: Love a good vinegar with a hint of apple notes. The tang and sweetness work well with the Dijon mustard.

Dijon mustard: A good dollop of this mustard will create a nice and peppery vinaigrette.

Variations and Substitutions

Vinegar swap: Experiment with different vinegars like red wine vinegar for a richer flavour, white wine vinegar for a lighter touch, or even balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweetness.

Each substitution will change the flavour profile of the dressing, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

Oil options: Extra virgin olive oil is the go-to, but you can explore other options like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even walnut oil for a nuttier flavour.

Sweetener options: A touch of honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a squeeze of fresh orange juice can balance the tang of the vinegar and add a subtle sweetness. Use equal parts sweetener and Dijon mustard for a balanced taste.

Lemon inclusion: Replace some or all the vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a citrusy twist. This can help brighten up the flavour of the dressing.

Herb infusion: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, chives, dill, or tarragon elevate the flavour profile of this emulsified vinaigrette with a touch of freshness. Finely chop them and add them to the dressing after whisking.

Spice it up: Feeling adventurous? A pinch of red pepper flakes, paprika, or even a sprinkle of chilli flakes can add a touch of heat or complexity to the Dijon mustard dressing recipe.

Garlic infusion: Minced garlic adds a pungent kick and depth of flavour. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Roasted garlic can also be used for a milder, sweeter taste.

Instructions

Step by step instructions for how to make Dijon mustard vinaigrette:

In a small mixing bowl, add apple cider vinegar and slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until emulsified, create a stable suspension.

Add Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.

Continue to whisk as this helps break down the mustard and release its emulsifying properties.

How To Make This Dressing Perfectly [Expert Tips]

Olive oil matters: Extra virgin olive oil is the preferred choice, but not all are created equal. Choose a medium-bodied olive oil with a fruity or peppery flavour to complement the tang of the Dijon mustard.

Balancing flavours: Taste the dressing as you go and adjust the ingredients to balance the flavours. Add more Dijon mustard for a stronger flavour, more vinegar for acidity, or olive oil to mellow out the sharpness.

Chilling time: If possible, allow the dressing to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavours meld together and enhances the dressing’s taste.

How to Store

Store dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Best Salad for This Dressing

Green Bean, Truffle Butter Breadcrumbs and Quail Egg Salad

Add a touch of gourmet to an otherwise easy recipe. Your guests will be so impressed with the delectable truffle tones in this Quail Egg Salad.

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