Vinaigrette base
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Vinaigrette base is a foundational sauce or dressing in French cuisine, typically made by emulsifying an acidic component like vinegar or lemon juice with oil, often seasoned with mustard, herbs, and salt. It serves as a versatile starting point for countless salads, marinades, and cold dishes across Western cooking traditions.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
As a fat-based dressing, it's high in healthy unsaturated fats from oils like olive or canola, with minimal carbs and protein. A standard two-tablespoon serving provides roughly 120-140 calories, primarily from fat, along with small amounts of antioxidants from herbs and vinegar.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents the French culinary principle of balancing flavors—acid cutting through richness—and has become a global pantry staple. Nutritionally, when made with quality oils, it can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from vegetables in salads.