If you’re looking for a dressing that instantly livens up any salad, grain bowl, or veggie plate, you’ll fall in love with this Creamy Vinaigrette. It strikes that perfect balance of tangy, slightly sweet, and lushly smooth, thanks to a blend of red wine vinegar, Dijon, and just enough honey or maple to round it out. Whether you drizzle it over crunchy greens or use it as a dip, it’s a versatile homemade staple you’ll return to again and again.

Creamy Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Vinaigrette is in its simplicity—a few pantry staples come together to create bold flavor and irresistible texture. Each ingredient here plays an essential role, creating a harmony that’s both comforting and a little bit special.

Red wine vinegar: Brings vibrant acidity and a wonderful ruby hue that forms the backbone of the vinaigrette.
Dijon mustard: Lends both creaminess and a gentle, peppery heat, helping to marry all the flavors together.
Honey or maple syrup: Provides just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the tanginess and give depth.
Garlic (minced): Adds a zesty punch and rounds out the flavor profile with a bit of sharpness.
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: This is where the magic happens—mayonnaise brings classic rich creaminess, or Greek yogurt keeps it lighter and tangy.
Olive oil: Smooths everything out, making the vinaigrette irresistibly silky and lush.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the ingredients together and enhancing every flavor note.

How to Make Creamy Vinaigrette

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium bowl or a sturdy jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and your choice of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. This creates the flavor-packed base of your Creamy Vinaigrette, and taking a moment to whisk until smooth ensures a silky consistency every time.

Step 2: Emulsify with Olive Oil

Now for a little kitchen magic—slowly drizzle the olive oil into your bowl or jar while steadily whisking. This process emulsifies the vinaigrette, binding the oil with the other ingredients to create that signature creamy texture. If you’re using a jar, you can seal it tightly and give it a vigorous shake for extra convenience and fewer dishes!

Step 3: Season and Adjust

Taste your vinaigrette and add salt and black pepper until the flavors sing. If you want an extra layer of flavor, a small handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill, basil, or chives will make the vinaigrette really shine. After seasoning, give everything a final whisk or shake.

Step 4: Store for Later

Transfer the Creamy Vinaigrette to an airtight container and refrigerate. The texture may thicken slightly as it chills, but a good shake or stir will bring it right back to optimal creaminess whenever you need it. This batch will keep beautifully for up to one week, making meal prep a breeze.

How to Serve Creamy Vinaigrette

Garnishes

Elevate your salads by topping them with colorful garnishes! Sprinkle on chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill, a handful of toasted nuts, or some delicate microgreens before drizzling over the Creamy Vinaigrette. For a pretty finish, a pinch of flaky salt or freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a chef’s touch.

Side Dishes

The Creamy Vinaigrette isn’t just for salads! Use it to dress grain bowls filled with quinoa or farro, or drizzle generously over roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. It even works wonders as a dip for crudités or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, adding a punch of flavor in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your Creamy Vinaigrette into a pretty mason jar or small pouring pitcher and set it on the table as a centerpiece. If you’re hosting, consider creating a mini salad bar—offer this vinaigrette alongside a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their plate. You can even use it as a base for potato salad or pasta salad for something extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making your Creamy Vinaigrette, store any leftovers in a tightly sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. Because it contains fresh garlic and dairy or eggs, it’s best enjoyed within a week. Give the jar a good shake before each use to recombine any separated ingredients.

Freezing

While most vinaigrettes freeze well, the creamy elements in this recipe (mayonnaise or yogurt) can sometimes separate or become grainy after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this Creamy Vinaigrette freshly made or from the fridge—luckily, it comes together so quickly that you can whip up a new batch anytime you need it.

Reheating

Creamy Vinaigrette doesn’t require reheating. If it’s a bit thick from the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then shake or whisk again. If you’re using it as a warm sauce, gently whisk it into warm grains or roasted vegetables right before serving for silky, luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad Dressing

Absolutely! While red wine vinegar gives that classic tang and color, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar also work beautifully. Each option adds its own unique twist, so feel free to experiment.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise if I want a lighter version?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for mayonnaise—it keeps the Creamy Vinaigrette smooth and tangy, but with less fat and a pleasant lift. You’ll get a slightly different flavor, but it’s equally delicious and perfect for a healthier option.

Is this dressing suitable for people with food allergies?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. If you’re avoiding eggs, Greek yogurt is the way to go instead of mayo. Always check labels if buying store-bought mustard or yogurt, and swap out honey for maple syrup if you want it fully plant-based.

Can I add herbs or other flavors to the Creamy Vinaigrette?

Yes, and it’s a great way to personalize your dressing! Try fresh dill, basil, tarragon, or chives for an herbal boost. Craving a kick? A tiny pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce takes this vinaigrette in a bold new direction.

How do I keep my vinaigrette from separating?

The combination of mustard and mayonnaise or yogurt in this recipe naturally helps emulsify the vinaigrette, keeping it creamy for days. Before each use, give it a quick shake or whisk to bring everything together again—it’s as simple as that!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dressing that’s as easy to make as it is rewarding to eat, this Creamy Vinaigrette will change the way you think about salads and so much more. Give it a try the next time your veggies need a little extra love—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor a homemade touch can bring. Let this become your new favorite kitchen staple!

Creamy Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Creamy Vinaigrette at home with this easy recipe. This versatile dressing is perfect for salads, grain bowls, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Creamy Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 small garlic clove (minced)
1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) until smooth.
Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until well combined.
Season and Store: Season the vinaigrette with salt and black pepper to taste. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or stir before using.

Notes

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor.
This dressing pairs well with green salads, grain bowls, or as a dip for vegetables.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad Dressing
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American