Red Wine Mustard Vinaigrette: A Parisian Touch for Your Table
I still remember the first time I tasted a vinaigrette that truly sang. It was at a small bistro tucked away on a cobblestone street in Paris. The simple salad, just a handful of greens, was elevated to something extraordinary by the vibrant, tangy dressing. The chef, a jovial man with flour dusting his apron, told me the secret wasn’t just fresh ingredients, but the balance of flavors – a dance between the sharpness of the mustard, the boldness of red wine vinegar, and the richness of good olive oil. This recipe, adapted from Michael Roberts’s Parisian Home Cooking, captures that magic, bringing a taste of that Parisian bistro to my own kitchen, and now, to yours.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yields: 1/4 cup
- Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, preferably Grey Poupon
- 3 tablespoons good-quality red wine vinegar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 5 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
Equipment Needed
- Small bowl
- Whisk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and fine sea salt.
- Using a whisk, thoroughly combine the ingredients until they are well blended.
- Slowly add the olive oil, one or two tablespoons at a time.
- While adding the oil, continuously whisk the mixture vigorously. This process is crucial for emulsifying the dressing, creating a stable and creamy texture.
- Once all the oil is incorporated, taste the vinaigrette. Adjust the vinegar-oil balance according to your preference. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a splash more vinegar. For a milder flavor, add a touch more olive oil.
- Finally, toss the vinaigrette with your favorite salad ingredients and serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Tricks
The key to a great vinaigrette is all about the quality of the ingredients and the emulsification process. Using a good-quality Dijon mustard, like Grey Poupon, provides a distinct sharpness and flavor that is essential for this recipe. Don’t skimp on the olive oil either! A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will contribute a rich, fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Emulsification is where the magic happens. Adding the oil slowly, while whisking continuously, helps to create a stable emulsion, preventing the oil and vinegar from separating. If your vinaigrette does separate, don’t worry! Simply whisk it vigorously again just before serving.
For a smoother vinaigrette, you can use an immersion blender instead of a whisk. This will create an even finer emulsion and a silkier texture.
If you want to infuse even more flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano. A clove of garlic, minced very finely, can also add a delightful kick.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This Red Wine Mustard Vinaigrette is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Of course, it’s fantastic on a simple green salad, but don’t stop there! Try it drizzled over roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. It’s also delicious as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish.
For a more substantial salad, toss it with grilled chicken or shrimp, along with some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.
To store leftover vinaigrette, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a jar with a lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The vinaigrette may separate during storage, but simply whisk it vigorously before using.
It is not recommended to freeze this vinaigrette, as the emulsion may break down and the texture may become compromised upon thawing.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 135 kcal | 7% |
| Total Fat | 14.5g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 145mg | 6% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 0g | 0% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations & Substitutions
While this classic recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking.
- For a sweeter vinaigrette: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- For a spicier vinaigrette: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a herbier vinaigrette: Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or tarragon.
- For a citrusy vinaigrette: Substitute some of the red wine vinegar with lemon juice or orange juice.
- For a balsamic vinaigrette: Substitute the red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar. Keep in mind that balsamic vinegar is often sweeter than red wine vinegar, so you may need to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup accordingly.
- To make it more decadent: Consider adding a teaspoon of tahini for a creamy, nutty flavor.
If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can substitute it with another type of mustard, such as yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with another type of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Again, the flavor will be slightly different, so adjust accordingly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to whisk it well before using as it may separate.
Q: What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
A: You can substitute it with another type of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: While olive oil is recommended for its flavor, you can use other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil as substitutes.
Q: The vinaigrette separated, what did I do wrong?
A: Separation is normal. Just whisk the vinaigrette vigorously before using to re-emulsify it. Adding the oil slowly while whisking is key to prevent separation.
Q: Can I add garlic to the vinaigrette?
A: Yes, absolutely! Mince a clove of garlic very finely and add it to the vinaigrette for an extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Red Wine Mustard Vinaigrette is more than just a dressing; it’s a flavor experience. With its bright, tangy, and slightly sharp notes, it’s the perfect complement to a wide variety of dishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature vinaigrette. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. Pair it with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a truly delightful meal. Bon appétit!