About this recipe
Every week, I make a tasty vinaigrette as part of my meal-planning routine. My family loves it, and it’s a great way to add flavor to any dish. This simple vinaigrette goes well with salads, roasted vegetables, and grilled proteins and helps us reach our healthy eating goals.
Why will you love this recipe?
- Customizable — make it tangy, sweet, or spicy
- Nutrient-packed — thanks to seeds, nuts, and fresh herbs
- Perfect for meal prep — lasts all week in a jar
- Great for family dinners — even picky eaters love it
ingredient notes
You only need a few pantry staples to make this vinaigrette, but the beauty is in how you flavor it.
- Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for richness and flavor.
- Acid: Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar are my go-to.
- Salt: Sea salt or a flavored salt adds depth.
- Extras (choose 1–2 for variation)
how to flavor a Vinaigrette
- Dijon mustard (helps emulsify)
- Fresh or roasted garlic (press or microplane it)
- Shallots or scallions (mild onion flavor)
- Lemon or orange zest (adds brightness)
- Toasted nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts)
- Seeds (hemp, pepitas, poppy seeds)
- Sweeteners (maple syrup, agave, a pinch of sugar)
- Herbs (dried oregano or fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro)
How to make a vinaigrette (and how to flavor it)
Basic ratio: 1 part acid to 2–3 parts oil
- Add vinegar (or lemon juice) and salt to a small jar. Shake or whisk to dissolve.
- Add mustard or any flavorings (garlic, zest, sweetener).
- Add the oil and shake again until emulsified.
- Taste and adjust—more vinegar for tang, oil for mellow, and salt for balance.
You can mix and match ingredients depending on what you have at home or what flavors you’re craving. Some of my favorites:
- Hazelnut vinaigrette (with toasted hazelnuts + red wine vinegar)
- Zesty herb vinaigrette (with lemon zest + mint + parsley)
- Creamy seed vinaigrette (with Dijon + hemp seeds + apple cider vinegar)
How to use vinaigrette
This healthy homemade vinaigrette isn’t just for salad greens. Try it on:
- Even as a light drizzle over grilled tofu or tempeh
- Pasta salads
- Roasted vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus)
- Raw veggies like cucumber or shredded carrots
- Buddha bowls with grains, beans, and greens
Healthy Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup avocado oil or any neutral oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove pressed or finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a jar with a lid, add the olive oil, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid tightly and shake until everything is well combined.
- Stir in the chopped hazelnuts (if using).
- Store in the fridge and use throughout the week on salads, roasted veggies, or bowls.
Notes
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- About the Author
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
Follow along on my social accounts for daily inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes! I’d love to hear about you! Send me a DM on Instagram, and let’s talk all things food 🍽️✨