Simple Herb Vinaigrette for Fresh Greens
A vibrant dressing made with a classic 2:5 oil-to-vinegar ratio, enhanced with fresh herbs and garlic for a perfectly balanced salad finish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, tablespoons red wine vinegar, teaspoon 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 105 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
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon, finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 5 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove until emulsified.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley until herbs are evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Herb Vinaigrette for Fresh Greens 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 Simple Herb Vinaigrette for Fresh Greens?
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 tablespoons red wine vinegar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Herb Vinaigrette for Fresh Greens?
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 Simple Herb Vinaigrette for Fresh Greens 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.
Is Simple Herb Vinaigrette for Fresh Greens vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many salads recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
Related recipes
Layered Red Beet and Whipped Feta Salad with Blue Corn Chips
No-Bake Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Feta and Olives
Toasted Walnut and Pear Salad with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette
Best-Crafted Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Roasted Grapefruit and Radicchio Salad with Bitter Orange Vinaigrette
Electric Beetroot and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
