Reversible Herb Vinaigrette
A versatile dressing that toggles between herb-forward and clean-tasting with a simple ingredient swap. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small jar, combine 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tsp honey; shake vigorously to emulsify.
- Step 2: For herb-forward version, add 2 tbsp fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; shake again until herbs are fully incorporated.
- Step 3: For clean version, omit herbs and add an additional 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; shake until smooth and slightly thinner.
- Step 4: Store in a sealed jar; shake well before each use to re-emulsify. The vinaigrette will separate into layers but will recombine when shaken.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Reversible Herb Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Reversible Herb Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Reversible Herb Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Reversible Herb Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Reversible Herb Vinaigrette?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids loved the salad with this dressing. Easy to make and delicious.
- ★★★★★
This is the best vinaigrette I've ever made! It's perfect for my Mediterranean salads.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavor, but it was slightly bland for my family's taste. I added a bit more garlic next time.
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