Mountvernonvinaigrettedressing Recipes

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING WITH 8 VARIATIONS

Steps:

• Shake all ingredients for your chosen variation together in a tightly-lidded container OR whisk together in a small bowl.
• Let stand 10 minutes to rehydrate dried herbs and blend flavors.
• Shake again then dress salad as desired.
• Note -- I recommend the lemon dressing on spinach.
• Note -- I recommend the Bacon Dressing, Mustard Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette on strong greens such as escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.
• Note -- The sweeter version of the mustard dressing is great for a vinegar coleslaw if you discover that you have accidentally gotten one of those occasional cabbages that are a touch on the bitter side.
• Note -- feel free to play with other seasonings, more complex blends, flavored oils, and flavored vinegars. Once you've learned the technique you can customize your salad dressing to suit just about any meal.

CLASSIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk together the vinegar, mustard and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Whisk in a couple turns of freshly ground black pepper.

CLASSIC FRENCH VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine in a large bowl or jar the shallot, Dijon mustard, salt, lemon juice, and red-wine vinegar. Whisk together to combine well. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Store jar in refrigerator if making ahead and shake well before using.
• Serve with 2 large heads Bibb, butter, or romaine lettuce that has been washed and dried well. Tear lettuce leaves into bite-size pieces and toss with dressing.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
• Slowly add oil, whisking until emulsified, or shake the ingredients in a jar, or whirl them in a blender.

SIMPLE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Set a medium bowl on a kitchen towel shaped like an "O" (this helps keep the bowl steady while whisking). Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, garlic, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper in the bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is combined and blended well. Use right away, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the vinegar, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl until combined. Slowly drizzle in the oil in a steady stream, whisking constantly, until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. (If you're using a vinegar high in acid, you might need to add a little more oil to taste.) Refrigerate any leftovers.

MOUNT VERNON VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

Steps:

• Put all ingredients in screw-top jar and shake vigorously.