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Red wine vinaigrette is a dressing that takes minutes to make, but your guests and family will remember it forever. There’s nothing that says love like homemade. Make this dressing from scratch, and you will never buy bottled again.
This restaurant-quality dressing is a zesty and intensely herby dressing that is not only memorable but also versatile. Use it on a crisp green salad, pasta salad, or as a marinade for chicken or fish, or add to your sub sandwich. Have this delightful vinaigrette in your fridge at all times, and you will not go wrong.
I hope you’ll try more of our vinaigrettes and salad dressings, such as our balsamic vinaigrette and buttermilk dressing.
RED WINE VINAIGRETTE RECIPE INGREDIENTS
We use simple ingredients, pantry staples that are easy to find!
- Red wine vinegar: This tangy fermented red wine is a staple in most pantries.
- Lemon juice: A little more acid from lemon juice takes the vinaigrette to the next level.
- Honey: A natural sweetener, honey adds not only sweetness, but also an earthy and floral taste. If you’d prefer, use maple syrup.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar adds more sweetness to offset the acid.
- Salt + Black Pepper: Table salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Dijon mustard: This French mustard adds an earthy, tangy flavor and also emulsifies the oil and vinegar.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent flavor to the dressing. Garlic powder is okay if you’re out of fresh garlic, but it will be a compromise.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, and marjoram adds just the right spices to flavor the dressing.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil makes up the base of the dressing, with this flavorful oil.
TIPS
- This red wine vinaigrette dressing is versatile: Drizzle it on a crisp salad, pasta salad, quinoa salad, dress your hoagies or sub sandwiches, marinate chicken, shrimp, and fish, and roast veggies. It turns plain old romaine or baby spinach into something special!
You can also add or swap these ingredients for a variation:
- Grated Parmesan Cheese for cheesiness.
- Chives because they’re delicious in this vinaigrette.
- Mayo for a creamy version
- Greek yogurt instead of mayo is a healthy choice
- Add or substitute fresh herbs.
- Use Spicy Brown mustard instead of Dijon for a zippy variation.
- Use balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar in lieu of red wine vinegar.
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
What is red wine vinaigrette good for? It’s delicious on roasted vegetables, sliced cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, and drizzled over roasted or grilled chicken, easily creating a delicious recipe for red wine vinaigrette chicken. Pour it over feta cheese and let it marinate. It’s a great way to jazz up simple weeknight dinners. So, all I’ve got to say is pass the vinaigrette, Baby!
STORAGE + FREEZING + MAKE-AHEAD
- How Long Can You Keep This in The Fridge? Once blended, keep this dressing in the fridge for up to one week. The vinaigrette will separate as it sits, but all it needs is a quick, vigorous shake if you’re storing it in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. If it’s stored in a small bowl, you can whisk it to restore it to its original consistency!
- Can You Freeze This? I do not recommend freezing.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time.
- Food Safety: If you’d like more info on food safety, check out this link.
HOW TO MAKE RED WINE VINAIGRETTE
- Prepare all the ingredients.
- Add the first 9 ingredients to the bowl of a food processor.
- With the food processor running, slowly add the oil until blended.
- Serve.
***See Full Instructions Below.
MORE SALADS TO PARTNER THIS VINAIGRETTE WITH
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Red Wine Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Add the first 9 ingredients to the bowl of a food processor.
- With the food processor running, slowly add the oil until blended.
Fans Also Made:
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Notes
- This red wine vinaigrette dressing is versatile: Drizzle it on a crisp salad, pasta salad, quinoa salad, dress your hoagies or sub sandwiches, marinate chicken, shrimp, and fish, and roast veggies. It turns plain old romaine or baby spinach into something special!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese for cheesiness.
- Chives because they're delicious in this vinaigrette.
- Mayo for a creamy version
- Greek yogurt instead of mayo is a healthy choice
- Add or substitute fresh herbs.
- Use Spicy Brown mustard instead of Dijon for a zippy variation.
- Use balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar in lieu of red wine vinegar.
Nutrition
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I always make my vinaigrette just eye balling the ingredients, sometimes its too sour, sometimes it doesnt taste good enough. Sooo, I tried yours and follow the measurements to the T… it’s so good! I’ll enjoy my salads more!
Hey, Charlie! Yes, sometimes that happens hehe. Thanks for the positive feedback and 5-star rating 🙂