Making your own dijon vinaigrette is a very quick and simple process. Learning is even easier. You will only need a few things to be successful in your endeavor. The ingredients can be mixed together within minutes, and aside from the food materials, you will only need a whisk, any kind of bowl, and your tastebuds!

Picking out your ingredients is the first step in making a good vinaigrette, and since there are many different kinds of dijon vinaigrette, most of the picking and choosing will be up to you and your tastes. Dijon vinaigrette can be an incredibly healthy form of dressing if you choose your ingredients wisely.

This page will take you through the step-by-step process of how to make Dijon vinaigrette, and will also give you some examples of what to use it with once you're done making it.

The first thing you will need to do before you can prepare your vinaigrette is to choose some quality ingredients. One of the main parts of your dijon vinaigrette will be the olive oil. In choosing an olive oil, make sure to think about health benefits of each kind. Extra virgin olive oil has the most flavor and also has plenty of antioxidants, so this would be the best option for your dressing.http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/need-oil-changeAntioxidants are nutritious substances found in some foods that help get rid of the oxygen that can be released by how our body processes certain products. When this oxygen is released it can cause damage. Foods that are rich in antioxidants help reduce the risks of heart disease and diabetes.http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/need-oil-change Extra virgin olive oil has also been found to cut the risks of breast cancer.http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20081218/extra-virgin-olive-oil-evoo-vs-breast-cancer

Another ingredient present in dijon vinaigrette is vinegar. Some people use apple cidar vinegar, some use sherry vinegar, and some use red wine vinegar. All of these types of vinegar have their own benefits, and you can choose which you would like to use according to your own health issues or preferences. The red wine version has no calories, cholesterol, or sodium. Apple cidar vinegar, on the other hand, has tons of potassium and can help lower blood pressure.http://healthmad.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-vinegar/

The rest of the ingredients are up to you. Whether you want crushed shallots or basil or pepper is completely a personal choice. Are you ready to start?

Get all of your ingredients ready. You will need measuring spoons and cups to make sure you get the right amount of everything needed. Here is what you'll need:

• 1-1/2 tablespoon dijon mustard (or less, to your liking)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/dijon-vinaigrette-recipe.htm

Optional:

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil
• 1/2 tablespoon minced shallot http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/dijon-vinaigrette
• 1 clove garlic, minced http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1715,147178-253203,00.html
• salt http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/dijon-vinaigrette-recipe.htm and pepper http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/10/Classic_Dijon_Vinaigrette3169.shtml

Once you have these ingredients ready, you will first whisk together the mustard with the vinegar and any of the extra ingredients you may have chosen to use. Once this is thoroughly mixed, add the olive oil slowly while stirring until you have a complete mixture. And voila! You have a beautiful and tasty dressing to put on whatever you'd like!

Once you are finished making your own dijon vinaigrette, you will need something to put it on. There are many recipes that include this dressing other than the simple salad.

Try using your vinaigrette on a warm dish like cooked tomato/potato salad.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/warm-potato-tomato-salad-with-dijon-vinaigrette-recipe/index.htmlYou can also add your vinaigrette to your warm veggies such as asparagus or broccoli,http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/sauteed-asparagus-with-dijon-vinaigretteor you can simply add some steak or chicken to your regular salad to make your dijon vinaigrette more special than ever.http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/recipes/steak-cobb-salad-with-dijon-vinaigrette-537804/

Whatever you choose to put your dressing on, make sure you add a healthy portion to your food, and enjoy!