This is our basic vinaigrette, three parts oil, one part acid, pared almost to its essentials—no shallots, no salt and pepper—so that it can be used almost like a sauce base. The mustard adds flavor and strengthens the emulsion. Any number of additional ingredients may be added to it, depending on how it's to be used. Most often it's used to dress greens that have been seasoned with salt and tossed with fresh herbs, as with the Bibb Lettuce Salad .
Ingredients
Makes about 2 1/2 cups
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 cups canola oil
Preparation
Step 1
Combine the mustard and vinegar in a blender and blend at medium speed for about 15 seconds. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of the oil. Don't be tempted to add all the oil to the blender or the vinaigrette will become too thick. It should be very creamy.
Step 2
Transfer the vinaigrette to a small bowl and, whisking constantly, slowly stream in the remaining 1 cup oil. (The dressing can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Should the vinaigrette separate, use a blender or immersion blender to re-emulsify it.)
Reprinted from Bouchon, by Thomas Keller, Copyright © 2004, published by Artisan. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
Leave a Review
Reviews (9)
Back to TopTrianglevery simple and creamy. (remember to season the salad with salt and pepper, since the base recipe does not call for any!)
elysiumarie
chicago
12/7/2010
outstanding!
mel9000
5/23/2010
Absolutely the best vinaigrette! I'm wishing I hadfound it sooner.
arkent
Arlington, VA
3/28/2010
Followed the recipe to a tee! Loved, loved, loved it!
eireannconery
Seattle, WA
2/4/2010
Gorgeous simplicity. I make this dressing at least once a week.
kwagmire
portland, or
6/15/2009
Perfect as is.For a change of pace, you can also use sherry vinegar, or add shallots, or chives, etc.
Anonymous
North Plainfield, NJ
10/11/2006
This is a fabulous classic dressing. Like the other reviewer, I use it with Bibb Lettuce salad on this site. Simple yet it never fails to impress.
Anonymous
Sonoma County, CA
4/24/2006
This was very simple to prepare and it's a great base dressing. Note that you need to add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings when using this vinaigrette (see Bibb lettuce salad recipe for an example).
Anonymous
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2005
