How To Make a Gourmet Mustard Vinaigrette at Home
Mustard is a household staple—not just across the United States, but around the world. Its varieties are vast, influenced by region, spice tolerance, and use. That versatility makes mustard a key ingredient in a wide range of dishes, including one of its most popular applications: salad dressings, especially vinaigrettes.
Let’s take a closer look at how to make a gourmet-level mustard vinaigrette at home. After following these tips, you can mix and match different ingredients to customize and create many different kinds of great dressings for all your favorite recipes.
What’s the Key to a Perfect Vinaigrette?
A great vinaigrette should be balanced, tangy, and versatile. The right mix can elevate all your favorite recipes, salads, roasted vegetables, and grain bowls alike.
Here’s what you need to combine:
- Acid (1 part) – vinegar (such as red wine, white wine, or apple cider) or citrus juice
- Fat (3 parts) – typically olive oil or another neutral or nut oil. Nut oils can make for a very rich dressing
- Flavoring – salt, pepper, herbs, spices, sweeteners
An emulsifier is optional but highly recommended, as it helps blend the oil and acid into a smooth, stable dressing. In this case, mustard itself is an excellent emulsifier. Others include mayo, egg yolk, or honey.
Pro Tips:
- Grate garlic or ginger for a more even flavor and no chunks.
- Use room-temperature ingredients to encourage better emulsification.
- Add a touch of umami (like miso, soy sauce, or grated Parmesan) for depth.
- Steep aromatics like minced shallot or garlic in the vinegar for 10 minutes before mixing to mellow harshness and build flavor—skip this step if you prefer a lighter taste.
Best Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
If you’re looking for a reliable recipe to impress family, guests, or even a date, try this:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (smooth or grainy)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Whisk together all ingredients except the olive oil.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Taste and adjust as needed: add more vinegar for tang, more honey for sweetness, or more oil to mellow the flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Shake well before using.
Need Some Variation?
Try These:
- Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, dill or tarragon—perfect for chicken and egg salad sandwiches.
- Add one teaspoon of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Splash in a bit of pickle or peperoncini juice for a briny, tangy twist.
Morehouse Quality Products Near You
Since 1989, Morehouse has been crafting the highest-quality mustard and horseradish products for our consumers near and far. We have been family owned for five generations and care about customer satisfaction and quality products above all else. Our varieties of mustards and horseradish satisfy both classic and innovative dishes. Find us in your local supermarket or proudly displayed at restaurants in your area.