Salads are one of the favorite options for summer meals: light, refreshing and nutritious, they are also very versatile and there are a thousand different ways to prepare them beyond the typical ones with lettuce and tomato.

However, for a salad to be truly delicious not only has to do with the quality of the ingredients we incorporate, it is also important what do we season it with.

a good vinaigrette It can make a lot of difference and turn any salad into a 5-star dish. Of course, the classic vinaigrette is a great option, but the good thing about this type of dressing is that it allows for many variations and even allows you to «invent.»

Here we propose 10 delicious and varied vinaigrettes to liven up your salads so that you don’t lack ideas.

1. Classic vinaigrette

The word vinaigrette comes from French vinaigrettediminutive of vinegarvinegar. Vinegar is, in fact, a classic ingredient in this sauce, which is sometimes replaced by lemon juice, which also provides an acidic touch. The other essential ingredients are olive oil and salt.

To prepare the classic vinaigretteyou have to mix three parts of oil to one of vinegar and season it with a little salt. So simple and rich.

For the classic vinaigrette, red wine vinegar is usually used, but you can also use other types of vinegaras:

• White wine vinegar: lighter and smoother.
• Sherry vinegar: with a more complex flavor, with a touch of nuts.
• Balsamic vinegar: sweeter, but less traditional.
• apple cider vinegar: with a fruity and slightly sweet touch.

2. Greek-style vinaigrette

This vinaigrette is ideal for dressing Greek salads. You just have to combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano and lemon juice.

Offers a combination of acidic and herbaceous flavors that combines perfectly with Mediterranean ingredients that make up the Greek salad: tomato, cucumber, black olives, onion and feta cheese.

3. Dijon mustard vinaigrette

A vinaigrette with a powerful flavor with a smooth finish that is prepared by mixing red wine vinegar, olive oil, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard and chopped shallot.

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The mustard emulsifies while the shallots provide a slight spicy touch. It is perfect for dress any traditional saladwith lettuce, tomato and other fresh vegetables, as it enhances its flavor and adds an original touch.

4. Herb vinaigrette

It’s about adding the freshness and aroma of fresh herbs to the traditional vinaigrette. He parsley, tarragon and chives They will combine perfectly with olive oil and vinegar (you can use white wine to highlight the flavor of the herbs more).

Its herbaceous and fresh flavor enhances lettuce or vegetable salads and gives them a soft and natural touch.

5. Balsamic vinaigrette

To prepare a vinaigrette with a sweeter and deeper flavormix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, very finely chopped garlic and a teaspoon of honey.

This vinaigrette combines perfectly with salads with spinach leaves or roasted vegetables. It provides a sophisticated and complex flavor, with balanced acidity.

6. Vinaigrette with poppy seeds

This vinaigrette based on apple cider vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds and a touch of honey is ideal for salads that combine vegetables and fruit (strawberries, blueberries, apple, pear…).

It provides an attractive texture (thanks to the crunchy touch of the poppy seeds) and a balanced sweet and sour flavorwhich enhances salads.

7. Honey and mustard vinaigrette

This vinaigrette, which has become a classic, is a delicious sweet and sour mix. To prepare it, you must combine the vinegar and olive oil with a tablespoon of honey and another of mustard.

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Its balanced profile, with a sweetness that complements the acidity, goes well with both leafy greens and crunchy vegetables.

8. Anchovy and caper vinaigrette

A powerful dressing, with a salty and acidic flavor that enhances salads and roasted vegetables. To prepare it, mix finely chopped anchovies, capers and garlic with olive oil, white wine vinegar and parsley.

In addition to combining perfectly with the green leafy salads like arugula or romaine lettuce, you can also use it on grilled vegetables or fish.

9. Pomegranate vinaigrette

Combining pomegranate juice and vinegar with olive oil we get a spectacular dressing with a bittersweet touch.

A perfect vinaigrette for autumn saladsthe season par excellence of the pomegranate. Provides a refreshing fruity touchin addition to a very attractive red color, complementing green leafy vegetables and fruits with its vibrant and acidic flavor.

10. Cilantro and Lime Vinaigrette

On this occasion we will replace the vinegar with lime to create a more vinaigrette acidic, herbaceous and slightly spicy. Mix fresh lime juice with chopped cilantro, olive oil and a jalapeno tip.

This refreshing citrus vinaigrette is perfect for light summer saladschicken salads or Mexican-inspired salads.

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