List of Classic French Dressings

French dressings, or vinaigrette sauces (as we call them in France), are a basic condiment needed to prepare French salads. The sauces are made with a simple combination of salt, pepper, vinegar and an oil. Sometimes fresh shallots, garlic, herbs, or honey is added.

Instructions are always as follows:

• put salt and pepper in a bowl
• add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and stir well until the salt is dissolved
• add 3 tablespoons of oil, stirring well to incorporate the oil and vinegar together,
• add herbs or other flavourings.

The Classic Vinaigrette:

• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper (black or white)
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

The Mustard Vinaigrette:

• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper (black or white)
• 1 teaspoon of mustard (usually Dijon mustard)
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of oil

The Olive Oil Vinaigrette:

• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper (black or white)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil

The Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper (black or white)
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• half a clove of garlic finely chopped

The Shallot Vinaigrette:

• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper (black or white)
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of vegetables oil
• 1 small shallot finely sliced (lengthwise)

The Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:

• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper (black or white)
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of honey (runny)
• 1 tablespoon of honey vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sliced shallot

FCA

Host and author on The French Cooking Academy.