This Champagne Vinaigrette is light, bright, and just a little bit sweet, thanks to a touch of honey and a hint of fresh orange juice. It’s a simple way to elevate any salad!
We recently received a thoughtful gift from some wonderful friends, beautiful bottles of oil and vinegar from a charming shop in Carmel Valley. One of them, a champagne mimosa vinegar, basically blew my mind and is what inspired me to create this recipe. It’s like a combination of champagne and orange juice, which got me thinking.
I found that adding fresh orange juice and a touch of honey to champagne vinegar creates this light and lovely Champagne Vinaigrette that I’m currently obsessed with. No need to hunt down specialty ingredients. You should be able to find everything you need for this easy vinaigrette at the grocery store.
If you love homemade dressings, be sure to check out two of my favorites: Apple Cider Vinaigrette and Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette. I’m excited to add this elegant but versatile Champagne Vinaigrette to the collection!
Ingredient Notes
- Champagne vinegar: Champagne vinegar is a mild, slightly fruity vinegar made from – you guessed it – champagne grapes! It has a lighter flavor compared to other vinegars, which makes it perfect for delicate dressings like this one. You can usually find it in grocery stores or even on Amazon. It can be a bit pricey, but I think it’s worth the investment. Once you try it, you won’t have any trouble using it up in future batches of salad dressing.
- Olive oil: This is one of those recipes where using good-quality extra virgin olive oil really makes a difference. Its rich, robust flavor adds depth to the vinaigrette, so it’s worth reaching for the good stuff.
- Garlic: I’m all for kitchen shortcuts, but when it comes to fresh recipes like this one, it’s worth the effort to use freshly minced garlic. The flavor is brighter and more pronounced compared to pre-minced garlic from a jar.
How to Make Champagne Vinaigrette
Making this vinaigrette couldn’t be easier! Just combine all the ingredients in a mason jar or any airtight container, secure the lid, and give it a good shake. As you shake, the mixture will emulsify and thicken slightly, creating a smooth and well-blended dressing.
You can also whisk everything together in a bowl if you prefer, but it won’t have quite the same body.
I recommend starting with the amount of honey called for in the recipe. Taste it, and if you’d like a sweeter dressing, add a little more.
Ways to Use Champagne Vinaigrette
Salads:
This versatile dressing adds a bright, tangy flavor to all kinds of salads. It’s especially delicious on tender greens like butter lettuce, baby spinach, arugula, or a mix of spring greens. Try drizzling it over a salad with fresh fruit (like mandarin oranges or strawberries), nuts, and a little crumbled feta or goat cheese for a simple, flavorful combination.
Marinade:
This vinaigrette makes a great light marinade for chicken or fish. Let chicken marinate for up to 6 hours to soak in the flavors. For fish, just brush it on before grilling or roasting for a tangy hint of citrus.
Storage Tips
I almost always use a mason jar to mix and store my salad dressings. It’s easy and keeps everything fresh. You can use any airtight container that you have on hand.
Store your Champagne Vinaigrette in the fridge, and it will stay good for up to a week. Just keep in mind that it may thicken a bit when chilled. If that happens, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before using. Give it a good shake to re-emulsify.
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Champagne Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey, or more for a sweeter dressing
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a mason jar or other airtight container and shake well. As you shake, the mixture will combine and slightly emulsify (thicken just slightly).
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.
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