How to Make a Basic Vinaigrette — Never Buy Bottled Dressing Again

Store-bought dressings are overpriced, full of preservatives, and rarely taste as good as what you can make in 60 seconds. The basic formula is 3 parts oil to 1 part acid. That is it. Olive oil plus red wine vinegar, or lemon juice, or balsamic — any combination works. Add salt, pepper, and a tiny bit of Dijon mustard (it acts as an emulsifier and keeps the dressing from separating).

Put everything in a jar, close the lid, and shake for ten seconds. You have a dressing that tastes better than anything in a bottle. From there, customize endlessly: add minced garlic, honey for sweetness, fresh herbs, soy sauce for an Asian twist, or tahini for a creamier version. Once you realize how easy and cheap this is, you will never reach for a bottled dressing again. One small skill, years of better salads.