Shallot Vinaigrette Recipe (French Vinaigrette)

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This delicious shallot vinaigrette (French vinaigrette) is quick and easy to make and wonderfully versatile.

One of my favorite simple salad dressings that goes with just about everything. ♡

This shallot vinaigrette recipe, also known as a French vinaigrette, is a staple we turn to regularly in our house when we’re looking for something light, bright, and mercifully quick to whip up. The delicate flavor of shallots pairs perfectly with fresh lemon juice, garlic and a hint of Dijon. And while it’s one of those versatile vinaigrettes that can play well with a wide range of ingredients, we honestly find ourselves loving it most on the simplest of green salads here in our house so that those lovely flavors can really shine through. (Current fave is a bowl of crisp butter lettuce, sliced cucumber and a sprinkling of Parm…so good!)

It’s one of those back-pocket recipes that’s great to have on hand when you’re needing a quick side salad, yet also a wonderful and classy way to dress larger entrée salads too. So the next time the salad craving hits, chop up some shallots and let’s make this quick vinaigrette together.

Shallot Vinaigrette Ingredients

Before we get to the full shallot vinaigrette recipe below, here are a few notes about the ingredients you will need:

• Shallot: I typically add one large shallot (about 3 tablespoons, finely-chopped) to this dressing, but feel free to add more or less shallot to taste. Shallot flavor is naturally quite mild, but if you want to reduce its bite even further, just rinse the chopped shallot briefly under cold water in a fine mesh strainer before adding it to the dressing.
• Garlic: Raw garlic adds a deliciously spicy kick to this dressing. Feel free to mince or grate your garlic, or add more or less to taste. (Or if you do not have fresh garlic on hand, you can sub in 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder.)
• Olive oil: I recommend using a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for this dressing.
• Lemon: We will use both the juice and zest of a large lemon for the dressing.
• Dijon: Either smooth or grainy Dijon will work.
• Salt and pepper: Then finally, we will season the dressing with a generous pinch of fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

Shallot Vinaigrette Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways that you are welcome to customize this French vinaigrette recipe…

• Add fresh herbs: Finely-chopped fresh basil, chives, dill, mint, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, or thyme would all be delicious additions to this vinaigrette.
• Add Parmesan: Add 1/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan to the dressing to give it a cheesy, umami twist.
• Add a kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give this dressing some heat.
• Use vinegar: Substitute vinegar (such as a sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar) for the lemon juice.

More Favorite Salad Dressing Recipes

Looking for more easy salad dressing recipes to try? These are a few of my faves…

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