Salads are one of the favourite options for the summer meals: light, refreshing and nutritious, they are also incredibly versatile and there are a thousand ways to prepare them beyond the usual lettuce and tomatoes.
However, for a salad to be truly delicious it’s not only about the quality of the ingredients you use; it’s also important what you dress it with.
A good vinaigrette can make a huge difference and turn any salad into a five‑star dish. Of course, the classic vinaigrette is a superb option, but the beauty of this kind of dressing is that it accepts many variations and even invites you to invent.
Here we propose ten delicious and varied vinaigrettes to liven up your salads so you’ll never be short of ideas.
1. Classic Vinaigrette
The word vinaigrette comes from the French vinaigrette, a diminutive of vinaigre, vinegar. Vinegar is, indeed, a classic ingredient in this sauce, which is sometimes substituted with lemon juice, which also provides a tangy kick. The other essential ingredients are olive oil and salt.
To prepare the classic vinaigrette, you simply mix three parts oil to one part vinegar and season with a pinch of salt. That’s it—delicious and easy.
For the classic vinaigrette, red wine vinegar is usually used, but you can also employ other types of vinegar, such as:
- White wine vinegar: lighter and milder.
- Sherry vinegar: with a more complex flavour, with a hint of nuts.
- Balsamic vinegar: sweeter, but less traditional.
- Apple cider vinegar: with a fruity note and a touch of sweetness.
2. Greek‑style Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette is ideal for dressing Greek salads. Simply combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano and lemon juice.
It delivers a tangy, herbaceous balance that pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean ingredients that make up the classic Greek salad: tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, red onion and feta cheese.
3. Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette
A vinaigrette with a powerful flavour and a smooth finish, prepared by mixing red wine vinegar, olive oil, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard and finely chopped shallots.
The mustard emulsifies while the shallots lend a subtle bite. It’s perfect for dressing any traditional salad—lettuce, tomatoes and other fresh vegetables—as it heightens flavour and adds a touch of originality.
4. Herb Vinaigrette
This is all about bringing the brightness and aroma of fresh herbs into the classic vinaigrette. Parsley, tarragon and chives will pair perfectly with olive oil and vinegar (you can use white wine vinegar to let the herbs’ flavours shine through).
Its herbaceous, fresh flavour enhances lettuce or vegetable salads and gives them a soft, natural lift.
5. Balsamic Vinaigrette
To make a vinaigrette with a sweeter, deeper flavour, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, very finely chopped garlic and a teaspoon of honey.
This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with salads featuring spinach leaves or roasted vegetables. It delivers a sophisticated, complex flavour with balanced acidity.
6. Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette based on apple cider vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds and a touch of honey is ideal for salads that combine greens and fruit (strawberries, blueberries, apple, pear…).
It adds an appealing texture (thanks to the crunchy poppy seeds) and a balanced sweet‑tart flavour that elevates the salads.
7. Honey and Mustard Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette, now a classic, is a delicious sweet‑and‑tart blend. To make it, combine vinegar and olive oil with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of mustard.
Its balanced profile, with sweetness that complements the acidity, works well with both leafy greens and crunchy vegetables.
8. Anchovy and Caper Vinaigrette
A bold dressing, with a salty and sour flavour that enhances salads and roasted vegetables. To make it, finely chop anchovies, capers and garlic and whisk them with olive oil, white wine vinegar and parsley.
Besides pairing perfectly with leafy green salads such as rocket or romaine, you can also use it on grilled vegetables or fish.
9. Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Combining pomegranate juice and vinegar with olive oil yields a spectacular dressing with a tart-sweet note.
A vinaigrette perfect for autumn salads, the season par excellence for pomegranate. It brings a refreshing fruity touch, together with a vibrant red colour, complementing green leafy vegetables and fruits with its bright, tangy flavour.
10. Coriander and Lime Vinaigrette
In this instance we swap vinegar for lime to create a vinaigrette that is more acidic, herbaceous and slightly spicy. Mix fresh lime juice with chopped coriander, olive oil and a hint of jalapeño.
This refreshing citrusy vinaigrette is perfect for light summer salads, chicken salads or Mexican-inspired salads.
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