Vinaigrette for mixed green salads
Vinaigrette is a classic French dressing made by emulsifying an acidic component like vinegar or lemon juice with oil, often seasoned with mustard, herbs, and salt. It's the traditional and most common dressing for mixed green salads, providing a bright, tangy contrast to the fresh greens. Its simple, balanced formula has made it a staple in kitchens worldwide.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
A standard serving is primarily a source of healthy fats from the oil, with negligible protein and carbohydrates. It provides key fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin E from the oil and can be a source of antioxidants from herbs and mustard. A typical tablespoon contains roughly 45-60 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 5.5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.7 mg |
| Vitamin K | 3 mcg |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
Per 1 tablespoon (15 ml) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The perfect vinaigrette is a lesson in culinary chemistry, where mustard acts as a natural emulsifier to bind the oil and vinegar into a stable, creamy mixture. Nutritionally, the oil helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, K) present in the salad greens it dresses.
