Basic Vinaigrette Dressing With 8 Variations - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Basic Vinaigrette
3 tablespoons oil (I prefer extra-virgin olive oil)
2 tablespoons vinegar (white, cider, wine, ..., not balsamic)
salt
black pepper (I prefer fresh-ground)
Italian Vinaigrette
basic vinaigrette (use EVOO and red wine vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Lighter Bacon Dressing
basic vinaigrette (use canola or corn oil and cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon crumbled bacon
1/2 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 pinch celery seed (optional)
1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard (optional)
1 -3 teaspoon brown sugar or 1 -3 teaspoon another sweetener, to taste
Mustard Dressing
italian vinaigrette
1 teaspoon prepared mustard (I recommend Dijon or spicy brown)
1 -3 teaspoon honey (optional) or 1 -3 teaspoon another sweetener, to taste (optional)
Basic Creamy Vinaigrette Dressing
basic vinaigrette
2 -3 2 -3 tablespoons sour cream or 2 -3 tablespoons plain yogurt
Parmesan-Pepper Dressing
basic creamy vinaigrette dressing
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
Creamy Garlic Dressing
basic creamy vinaigrette dressing
1 garlic clove, put through press
fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch italian seasoning (optional)
Lemon Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil (I prefer extra-virgin)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
Balsamic Vinaigrette
3 tablespoons oil (I prefer extra-virgin olive oil)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pinch italian seasoning (optional)

Preparation

Shake all ingredients for your chosen variation together in a tightly-lidded container OR whisk together in a small bowl.
Let stand 10 minutes to rehydrate dried herbs and blend flavors.
Shake again then dress salad as desired.
Note -- I recommend the lemon dressing on spinach.
Note -- I recommend the Bacon Dressing, Mustard Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette on strong greens such as escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.
Note -- The sweeter version of the mustard dressing is great for a vinegar coleslaw if you discover that you have accidentally gotten one of those occasional cabbages that are a touch on the bitter side.
Note -- feel free to play with other seasonings, more complex blends, flavored oils, and flavored vinegars. Once you've learned the technique you can customize your salad dressing to suit just about any meal.