How to Make a Basic Marinade or Vinaigrette Dressing
Marinades and vinaigrette dressings can often be interchangeable. There are plenty of commercial options, but it's so easy to make them yourself with a few handy ingredients.
Servings: 8
Calories: 127kcal
Cost: $2
Equipment
- small mixing bowl
- glass measuring cup
- wire whisk
Ingredients
- ½ cup vinegar or citrus juice
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ cup olive oil
Optional mix-ins
- 1-2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Mix or other favorite blend
- 1-2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1-2 teaspoon honey or jam
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add any of mix-ins you like, whisking to blend.½ cup vinegar, salt, black pepper, 1-2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Mix, 1-2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1-2 teaspoon honey
- Slowly add the oil, whisking to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your tastes.½ cup olive oil
- Use as you would a marinade or salad dressing.
Video
Notes
Nutritional values are approximate and based on two tablespoons. Remember that meats and chickens will not absorb all the marinade.
Food safety tip: never serve uncooked marinade that has been used for raw meats and chicken. It can be boiled and used as a sauce, however.
Variations: consider the following flavor combinations
- Italian - red wine vinegar and Italian herbs
- Mexican - orange or other citrus juice and taco seasoning mix
- Greek - lemon juice and Greek Spice Blend
Nutrition
Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg