Only Vinaigrette You’ll Ever Need from Giada

This fantastic Giada Vinaigrette is such a comforting treat. I make it with ingredients like apple cider vinegar and kosher salt, and the flavors come together so perfectly.

It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually super simple to prepare. It takes about 15 minutes to make, and it’s perfect for when I want to serve something that’s both delicious and satisfying. Plus, it’s great for salads and sandwiches.

Recipe Ingredients

1 small shallot, minced
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
¾ teaspoon agave syrup
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil

How To Make Giada The Only Vinaigrette You’ll Ever Need

Let the Shallot Soften: Pop the minced shallot into a bowl, add the apple cider vinegar, and let it chill for 5 minutes. Yes, it just needs some alone time!
Add the Flavor Team and Whisk Away: Now add in the mustard, thyme, agave, and salt, then whisk those flavors together. Time to bring the crew to life!
Drizzle and Whisk to Combine: Finally, keep whisking while slowly adding the olive oil. Make sure they all get along swimmingly, and you’ve got a silky emulsion.

Recipe Tips

Embracing Acidity: Experiment with different acidity levels by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to create a brighter flavor profile that awakens your senses with each bite, making every dish more refreshing and vibrant with a simple tweak.
Herbal Infusions: Transform this vinaigrette into a fragrant and aromatic masterpiece by adding minced garlic, fresh basil leaves, or a sprig of rosemary during the blending process, allowing their oils to infuse the dressing with unparalleled depth of flavor.
Flavor Boosters: Unlock a world of flavors by mixing in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a drizzle of truffle honey to amplify the overall flavor experience, expertly balancing the tanginess and richness for a truly exceptional taste sensation.
Adjusting Consistency: Achieve the perfect emulsion by adjusting the ratio of oil and vinegar, or adding a splash of lukewarm water if the dressing becomes too thick, resulting in a silky, smooth texture that perfectly coats any salad or vegetable dish with ease and finesse.
Storing and Refining: Extend the shelf life of your vinaigrette by transferring it to an airtight glass jar, allowing the flavors to mature and blend harmoniously in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, while maintaining the perfect balance of acidity and richness with a few gentle shakes before serving.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

What happens if I don’t let the shallot sit?

Shallots need 5 minutes with vinegar to mellow out. Skipping this step can result in a harsher flavor.

Can I substitute apple cider vinegar with another type of vinegar?

While possible, the flavor might be different. Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity sweetness, try another mild vinegar for similar results.

Why does the recipe use Dijon mustard?

Dijon’s mild flavor helps balance out the acidity from the vinegar and agave syrup. You can try using another mild mustard if you can’t find Dijon.

How long does the vinaigrette keep in the fridge?

This vinaigrette keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good whisk before using, as the oil may separate from the other ingredients.

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