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Martha’s Favorite Vinaigrette

Vinaigrette is usually considered a salad dressing, but it also makes a fine sauce for vegetables, such as steamed green beans and boiled potatoes, and main dishes, such as broiled chicken or fish.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 cup

Ingredients

1/4 cup white-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
Pinch of sugar
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and the sugar.

    Step 2

    Slowly add the oil, whisking until emulsified. Or shake the ingredients in a jar, or whirl them in a blender. Store in an airtight container or jar, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Shake before using.

  2. variations

    Step 3

    GARLIC

    Step 4

    Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic or 1/2 clove, crushed.

  3. Step 5

    BALSAMIC

    Step 6

    Substitute balsamic vinegar for the wine vinegar.

  4. Step 7

    LEMON-PARMESAN

    Step 8

    Use fresh lemon juice instead of vinegar; add 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan.

  5. Step 9

    SCALLION

    Step 10

    Add 3 chopped whole scallions (about 1/4 cup).

  6. Step 11

    BLUE CHEESE

    Step 12

    Add 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, such as Roquefort.

  7. Step 13

    HERB

    Step 14

    Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, or tarragon.

Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors. Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.
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