Elevate your Salads with this Simple Homemade Dressing

The most simple and delicious homemade red wine vinaigrette salad dressing on a rustic table with a plate with salad and chicken in the background.

This quick and versatile homemade salad dressing has been in my family for years and will transform your everyday salads into something special. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-worthy dressing that pairs perfectly with any combination of greens and toppings.

a simple, quick and delicious homemade vinaigrette on a rustic table with a salad in the background.

Looking to brighten up your meals after the holiday indulgence? This go-to salad dressing, shared by my Aunt Alex one memorable summer, has become a kitchen essential. The beauty lies in its simplicity – a memorizable framework that you can customize to your taste. Perfect for those moments when you're craving something fresh and vibrant!

Why You'll Love This Quick and Simple Homemade Dressing Recipe

This go-to salad dressing is:

  • Ready in under 5 minutes

  • Made with simple ingredients you already have

  • Stores well for up to a week

  • Customizable to your taste

  • Free from preservatives and artificial ingredients

leaving a smashed garlic clove in your dressing continues to infuse it with flavour.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile dressing works well with:

  • Mixed green salads

  • Roasted vegetable bowls

  • Grain bowls

  • Mediterranean-style salads

  • Cucumber and tomato salads

 

Follow me on Instagram for more delicious meal inspiration!

My Go-To Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

  • 1 tbsp dijon (grainy or regular)

  • 1 tsp honey

  • S & P

  • 1/4 cup good quality olive oil.

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl or mason jar with a lid, combine the 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, the smashed garlic clove, a good pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper. Stir or shake well to combine. Add in the 1/4 cup olive oil and shake or stir again until emulsified.

    Do Ahead: This vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can remove the garlic clove or leave it in for more flavour.

 

my go-to red wine vinaigrette salad dressing is versatile and simple.  here it is poured over simple greens with a chicken cutlet

Variations

Make it your own by:

  • Swapping balsamic for red wine vinegar or lemon juice

  • Adding fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano or thyme

  • Using maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option

Ready to Try It?

Let this salad dressing become your go-to for every season! Pin it for later and don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you enjoyed this recipe. Happy cooking!


When you see how easy it is and how great it feels to nourish your body in midlife, you won’t ever go back to highly processed foods that are void of nutritional value. My 7-Day Meals for Menopause Guidebook will walk you through the menopause transition with ease. You’ll find dozens of delicious recipes, sneaky ways to hit your protein target and so much more to help you look and feel amazing.

Previous
Previous

Melt-in-your-mouth Pot Roast: A Simple Comfort Food

Next
Next

Cozy Winter Recipe: Sausage, Spinach & Bean Soup