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    Home » Salads

    The Best Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe (5 Minutes!)

    Published: Aug 28, 2023 » Modified: Aug 28, 2023 » By: Kylie » This post may contain affiliate links. » 2 Comments

    This super simple red wine vinaigrette recipe comes together in just minutes and requires only a handful of pantry staple ingredients! Enjoy the sweet tang of red wine vinegar balanced with fruity olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic, and dried herbs. This vinaigrette will transform your favorite salad into a showstopper.

    Overhead shot of a wide mouth mason jar filled with homemade red wine vinaigrette with a spoon.
    Jump to Recipe
    Table of Contents show
    1 5 Minute Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe
    2 Ingredients for Red Wine Vinaigrette
    3 How to make homemade red wine vinegar dressing
    4 Tips for Making the Best Vinaigrette
    5 Vinaigrette Variations
    6 How to Use Red Wine Vinaigrette for Things Other Than Salad
    7 What is red wine vinegar?
    8 What is a vinaigrette?
    9 What is red wine vinaigrette made of?
    10 What is the best ratio of oil to vinegar?
    11 Is red wine vinegar dressing healthy?
    12 How to Make Red Wine Vinaigrette Ahead of Time
    13 Storing Vinaigrette Dressing
    14 Freezing Red Wine Vinaigrette
    15 Serve Red Wine Vinaigrette With
    16 Easy Dressing Recipes
    17 Recipe
    18 Red Wine Vinaigrette

    5 Minute Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe

    • It's made with pantry staples. My favorite thing about this recipe is that I typically have everything on hand that I need to make it!
    • Sweet, tangy, and salty, this olive oil and vinegar dressing is the easiest salad dressing you’ll ever make. Add the 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) to a mason jar, give it a good shake, and you've got delicious salad dressing that will stay good in the fridge for weeks!
    • If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my sun-dried tomato dressing, creamy balsamic dressing, and my honey Dijon dressing.
    White marble counter top with bowls of ingredients to make red wine vinaigrette.

    Ingredients for Red Wine Vinaigrette

    Olive Oil

    I use cold-pressed, organic, extra-virgin olive oil for my dressings. You can also substitute with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or another mildly flavored oil.

    Red Wine Vinegar

    Red wine vinegar can be replaced with white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. Each vinegar offers a unique flavor profile that would work well in this recipe.

    Garlic

    Finely grated fresh garlic works best in this recipe. I like to use a microplane to get the garlic super fine. That way it will mix in with the other ingredients and you'll get a little garlic flavor in each bite. If you don't have a microplane, just finely mince the garlic using a sharp knife. You can use a couple pinches of garlic powder as a substitute for the fresh garlic.

    Dijon Mustard

    Dijon mustard has an amazing tangy flavor profile with a little bit of spice that adds another layer of flavor. It's also important as it helps to keep the oil and vinegar emulsified, creating a creamy dressing that doesn't separate quite as easily.

    Italian Seasoning

    If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, dried rosemary, or any combination of your favorite dried herbs.

    Salt and Pepper

    Don't be afraid of salt in this vinaigrette recipe! The ingredient list is so short and simple, salt is going to go a long way in boosting the overall flavor of the vinaigrette. Add salt and pepper to taste. And then probably add another pinch or two of salt!

    How to make homemade red wine vinegar dressing

    Add ingredients to a wide-mouth mason jar. Screw the lid on securely. Shake vigorously until well combined and emulsified.

    Alternatively, add ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk vigorously until emulsified. 

    Season to taste with salt and pepper. My favorite way to serve this red wine vinaigrette is with my simple Greek cucumber salad (pictured below). It's loaded with fresh, fun flavors that pair perfectly with this tangy vinaigrette.

    Large white bowl filled with homemade Greek salad tossed in a vinaigrette.

    Tips for Making the Best Vinaigrette

    • Shake well or whisk until emulsified. It may take a bit of elbow grease to get all the ingredients thoroughly combined. You'll know the dressing is emulsified when it has a cohesive look and color and a creamy texture.
    • This dressing can also be made in a blender or a food processor if you really want to speed things up!
    • Serve this with any salad! This vinaigrette goes well with almost any salad, so it’s great to keep some on hand and at the ready in the fridge. Serve this red wine vinaigrette with my grilled halloumi cheese salad, arugula salad with dried cherries and goat cheese, and my easy Greek salad. 

    Vinaigrette Variations

    The best part of this recipe is that it's super versatile! You can sub another vinegar in place of the red wine vinegar - ie: white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar - or add some of your other favorite flavors like:

    • any dried or fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, thyme, chives, etc.)
    • Maple syrup, agave, or honey to add a touch of sweetness
    • finely grated Parmesan cheese to give it a more Italian flavor
    • mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt to make it extra creamy
    • stone ground mustard or whole grain mustard in place of the Dijon
    • a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a little kick
    • a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest for some extra acidity
    • minced shallot for a hint of onion flavor
    Close up shot of an ornate glass filled with homemade red wine vinaigrette.

    How to Use Red Wine Vinaigrette for Things Other Than Salad

    I love to keep this red wine vinaigrette in the fridge to add a little extra flavor to our favorite weeknight dishes like:

    • air fryer asparagus
    • air fryer zucchini
    • air fryer green beans
    • roasted baby potatoes
    • Mediterranean roasted artichoke hearts

    We also use it to:

    • marinate fish or chicken
    • drizzle over grilled fish or chicken
    • brush on bread for Bruschetta before grilling
    • add a drizzle to a grilled turkey sandwich

    What is red wine vinegar?

    Red wine vinegar is technically fermented red wine. It's tangy, acidic, and on its own, it's quite a harsh flavor. However, when paired with olive oil, Dijon, and dried herbs it creates a tasty combination that will take your meals from bland and boring to bursting with delicious flavor!

    What is a vinaigrette?

    A vinaigrette is a mixture made from oil and vinegar. It is commonly used as a dressing but also works well as a marinade. Many vinaigrettes will also include Dijon mustard, dried herbs, and fresh garlic.

    What is red wine vinaigrette made of?

    Red wine vinaigrette is typically made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried herbs, and Dijon mustard. But from there, the possibilities are endless! You can mix in any number of fresh or dried herbs, add a little spice, or add minced garlic or shallot!

    What is the best ratio of oil to vinegar?

    The typical ratio suggested is 3:1 meaning you use 3 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar. I find that this isn't quite tangy enough for me, so I often lean more toward a 2:1 ratio. Play around and see what ratios you like the best. Use this recipe as a blueprint and make it your own!

    Is red wine vinegar dressing healthy?

    I prefer not to refer to things as healthy or unhealthy but the good thing about this dressing is that you know exactly what's in it. There are no preservatives or ingredients you can't pronounce. And while it is made up mostly of olive oil, each serving of dressing is relatively small and made with real ingredients.

    Overhead shot of a wide mouth mason jar filled with homemade red wine vinaigrette.

    How to Make Red Wine Vinaigrette Ahead of Time

    This red wine vinaigrette is the perfect make-ahead dressing! It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks which means you can make a big batch over the weekend and then enjoy easy salads with homemade dressing all week!

    Storing Vinaigrette Dressing

    Store the vinaigrette in an airtight mason jar or other salad dressing container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The olive oil may begin to solidify as it sits in the fridge. Before you're ready to eat, let the vinaigrette sit out on the counter until the olive comes back to room temp and turns to liquid again. Whisk vigorously if it has separated at all and season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

    Freezing Red Wine Vinaigrette

    Believe it or not, oil and vinegar dressing can be frozen! Simply store in an airtight glass or plastic, freezer-safe container or jar, and then freeze for up to three months! Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Whisk vigorously if it has separated and season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Serve Red Wine Vinaigrette With

    • The Easiest Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe (15 Minutes!)
      Cook Time15 minutes
    • Simple Grilled Halloumi Cheese Salad
      Cook Time10 minutes
    • Simple Beetroot Salad with Feta
      Cook Time50 minutes
    • White serving platter filled with arugula salad with goat cheese dried cherries and almonds
      Arugula Salad with Dried Cherries and Goat Cheese
      Cook Time10 minutes

    Easy Dressing Recipes

    • 5 Minute Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
      Cook Time5 minutes
    • 6 Ingredient Creamy Balsamic Dressing (no mayo!)
      Cook Time5 minutes
    • 6 Ingredient Honey Dijon Dressing
      Cook Time5 minutes
    • Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
      Cook Time5 minutes

    Questions?
    Leave a comment below!
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    Recipe

    Red Wine Vinaigrette

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    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 review

    This super simple red wine vinaigrette recipe comes together in just minutes and requires only a handful of pantry staple ingredients! Enjoy the sweet tang of red wine vinegar balanced with fruity olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic, and dried herbs. This vinaigrette will transform your favorite salad into a showstopper. 

    • Author: Kylie
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: about ¾ of a cup 1x
    • Category: Salad
    • Method: No Cook
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    • 1-2 cloves garlic, grated
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
    • fresh cracked pepper to taste

    Instructions

    1. Add ingredients to a wide mouth mason jar. Screw the lid on securely.
    2. Shake vigorously until well combined and emulsified.
    3. Alternatively, add ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk vigorously until emulsified. 
    4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with your favorite cucumber salad or pasta salad and enjoy!

    Equipment

    Image of wide mouth mason jar

    wide mouth mason jar

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    Notes

    • Shake well or whisk until emulsified. It may take a bit of elbow grease to get all the ingredients thoroughly combined. You'll know the dressing is emulsified when it has a cohesive look and color and a creamy texture.
    • This dressing can also be made in a blender or a food processor if you really want to speed things up!
    • Serve this with any salad! This vinaigrette goes well with almost any salad, so it’s great to keep some on hand and at the ready in the fridge. Serve this red wine vinaigrette with my grilled halloumi cheese salad, arugula salad with dried cherries and goat cheese, and my easy Greek salad. 

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ⅛th of the dressing
    • Calories: 125
    • Sugar: 0 g
    • Sodium: 127 mg
    • Fat: 14 g
    • Saturated Fat: 2 g
    • Carbohydrates: 0.3 g
    • Fiber: 0.1 g
    • Protein: 0.1 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

    Keywords: red wine vinaigrette recipe, recipe for red wine vinaigrette

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Susan

      August 28, 2023 at 2:55 pm

      Such a simple recipe but it's SO good! I've substituted other vinegars in place of the red wine vinegar and it's still delicious.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kylie

        August 28, 2023 at 2:56 pm

        Thanks so much, Susan! This is one of my favorites also. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review - I really appreciate it 🙂

        Reply

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    HELLO FROM THE MIDWEST - I'm Kylie and as a mom and blogger, I understand how hard it can be to get a wholesome dinner on the table at the end of a long day. Here at Midwest Foodie, I focus on sharing simple recipes that make it easy to feed your family real food.

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