Imagine having a jar of liquid gold ready in your fridge, ready to brighten up any salad or veggie dish at a moment’s notice. That’s exactly what you get with this Everyday Salad Dressing — a go-to vinaigrette that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to eat. With a perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and just a hint of bite from garlic and Dijon, this dressing always delivers. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch salad or giving roasted veggies a flavor boost, this recipe’s versatility and freshness make it a staple you’ll want to keep on hand.

Everyday Salad Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up this dressing, but every ingredient serves a role in making it crave-worthy. There’s no filler here — just honest flavors that shine and blend beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

Olive oil: The foundation of the dressing, giving it a luscious, smooth texture and heart-healthy richness.
Red wine vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy punch that wakes up every salad ingredient.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and acts as a natural emulsifier so the dressing stays creamy and never separates.
Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch ensures perfect balance, gently mellowing the acidity for a rounder flavor.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives a tiny kick and tons of aroma, making the dressing vibrant and zesty.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip tasting and adjusting to make it just right for you.

How to Make Everyday Salad Dressing

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by grabbing a small bowl or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour in the olive oil and red wine vinegar, then add the Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and the freshly minced garlic. These ingredients together will become your base for the Everyday Salad Dressing that you’ll be reaching for again and again.

Step 2: Whisk Until Emulsified

Now for the magic part — whisk everything together, either with a small whisk or by sealing your jar and giving it a vigorous shake. Emulsification is key here: you want the oil and vinegar to blend into a thick, harmonious mixture rather than staying separate. It takes only a minute, and you’ll see the color lighten and the dressing become beautifully creamy.

Step 3: Season to Perfection

Once your mixture looks unified, sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Whisk or shake again, then dip a clean spoon (or a leafy green) in to taste. Feel free to adjust — maybe a little more honey for sweetness, or another dash of vinegar if you like it extra zippy. Your Everyday Salad Dressing should taste boldly balanced, with no one flavor overpowering the others.

Step 4: Store It Right

Pour the finished dressing into an airtight container or jar. Slide it into your refrigerator, and it will be ready whenever your salad needs a lift — up to five days of crunchy, green-loving bliss at your fingertips. Always remember to shake or whisk before each use to bring all that flavor back together.

How to Serve Everyday Salad Dressing

Garnishes

Nothing elevates a simple bowl of greens like a thoughtful garnish! Try finishing your salad with shavings of parmesan, a sprinkle of toasted seeds or nuts, or even a handful of fresh chopped herbs. The Everyday Salad Dressing is a blank canvas for these little pops of flavor and texture, making each bowl feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this versatile vinaigrette is its ability to play well with so many meals. Drizzle Everyday Salad Dressing over grain bowls, roast vegetables, or as a tangy dip for crusty bread. It shines next to grilled chicken, tofu, or even as a quick marinade for shrimp — making it the ultimate supporting act on your dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

For something a little special, serve your dressing in a small pitcher or jar alongside a vibrant platter of fresh vegetables, letting everyone drizzle their own. Or, layer cooked grains, greens, and roasted veggies in a jar, then add Everyday Salad Dressing just before serving for a perfect, portable lunch option. Tiny cruets make the simplest salads feel like a feast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Everyday Salad Dressing begs to be made in advance — in fact, the flavors deepen as they mingle. Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to five days. The olive oil might solidify slightly when chilled, but just let it sit at room temp for a few minutes or give it a good shake and it’s ready to go.

Freezing

While you’ll get the best flavor and texture from freshly made dressing, you can freeze extra if you must. Transfer the vinaigrette to an ice cube tray, freeze until solid, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then shake it up before serving.

Reheating

No need for reheating, but if the olive oil thickens or separates in the fridge, simply let your Everyday Salad Dressing come to room temperature and shake it well. This brings the ingredients back together, making every pour taste just as fantastic as the first.

FAQs

Can I use another type Condiment

Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even lemon juice make delicious substitutes that each bring their own twist to the final flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

Is this dressing suitable for vegan diets?

Yes! Just swap the honey for pure maple syrup to keep it completely plant-based without losing any of that natural sweetness.

Can I make this without garlic?

Of course. If you’re avoiding garlic, simply leave it out or substitute with a pinch of finely minced shallot or a tiny dash of garlic powder for a milder, rounder flavor.

How much does this recipe make?

This Everyday Salad Dressing yields about 1/2 cup, or roughly 4 servings if you use about 2 tablespoons per person — perfect for a week’s worth of salads!

What kind of olive oil works best?

Go for a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the brightest flavor, or use a milder olive oil if you want a subtler, gentler finish.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Everyday Salad Dressing and see all the ways it brings your salads to life! Whether you’re tossing greens or roasted veggies, or even dipping crusty bread, this little jar always brings big smiles. Give it a go, and let it become a staple in your kitchen, just as it is in mine.