This easy Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing recipe takes only 5 minutes to prepare with basic pantry ingredients. The homemade Italian vinaigrette packs a punch and adds so much flavor to salads, perfectly complimenting veggies, like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. It's really the BEST Red Wine Vinegar Dressing you will find.
I've really been enjoying making my own homemade salad dressings. I swear that once you get the hang of it, it really doesn't take much time and tastes so delightful. They are generally healthier and it's nice to know exactly what is in them. The gorgeous fresh flavors can't compare to anything else you'll get. I'll still keep some bottles around for a pinch (because we are all human!) but making my own has been my jam.
Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
We've made Greek Yogurt Ranch, Healthy Greek Salad Dressing and Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing... but today I thought I'd add another basic one to your arsenal.... my Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing recipe!
This Red Wine Vinegar Dressing is fabulous because is features red wine which has a punchier, more vibrant grape flavor than other vinegar. That makes this salad dressing the perfect addition to your recipe book. It pairs perfectly with anything Italian, Greek, or even Meditteranean.
Why you'll love this Red Wine Vinegar Dressing...
This simple Red Wine Vinegar Dressing only uses 4-5 ingredients depending on how you make it. The red wine vinegar and lemon really shine in it and bring a nice Italian flavor to your salads! If you don't like lemon, you can leave that out but I think it adds something bright and flavorful without adding any calories or fat. You also have the option of adding a little dried oregano for extra flavor if you'd like. I love using this in place of my favorite simple Italian Salad Dressing from the store.
Make a batch of the dressing early in the week and enjoy it for days. It just needs a nice shake before serving because the oil and vinegar do separate. It's fun to keep it in a mason jar in the fridge so you can shake it easily. If you don't have any mason jars, pick some up here!
What is the healthy vinaigrette made of?
Here's what you'll need to make healthy red wine vinaigrette dressing.
- Olive oil: Use high-quality oil like extra virgin olive oil.
- Red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar has a bold flavor that makes it perfect in a dressing.
- Lemon juice: Adds tanginess to the dressing.
- Garlic: Adds extra flavor to the dressing.
- Dried oregano: Complements the other flavors in the dressing without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Helps to bring out the flavors. I recommend adding the salt and pepper to taste starting with a ¼ teaspoon of each and adding more until you get the flavors you like.
This is the basic recipe but you could add some variations like adding greek yogurt to make it creamy, parmesan to make it cheesy or even some Tahini to give it a nutty twist.
How do you make Red Wine Vinaigrette?
- Put all ingredients in a jar and mix well.
- Store dressing in the fridge, and shake well before using it.
- Serve with your favorite salads or wraps.
Variations and Pro Tips
This is the classic salad dressing recipe but here are some easy ways to mix it up.
- Add some greek yogurt for cream but healthy vinaigrette.
- Add some parmesan for a cheesy punch.
- If you don't have oregano you could also use your favorite dried Italian spice blend.
- Add some dijon mustard for a spicy kick.
- Substitute garlic powder for the fresh garlic. Start with a ½ teaspoon and see if you need more.
How long does the Red Wine Vinegar Dressing last?
Store the dressing in a jar with a tight lid in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The oil and vinegar will separate, so make sure to shake the dressing well before using it on a salad.
Is Red Wine Vinaigrette good for you?
YES! Red wine vinegar is shown to improve your heart health and is filled with antioxidants making this a great healthy salad dressing choice. Most vinegarettes have higher oil content. My recipe has more red wine vinegar to olive oil meaning it's a healthier version of a Red Wine Vinegar Dressing. It's also only 42 calories per serving which is significantly less than most Italian bottled salad dressings.
What to Use it On
This healthy dressing would be wonderful on basically any kind of mixed green salad and is light enough for even tender greens like arugula. It will not overpower your salad or greens, which is exactly what you want sometimes.
This dressing also goes great with my favorite Mediterranean Quinoa Salad or any pasta salad.
I hope you enjoy it and as always I'd love to know what you think!
Other healthy salad dressings you’ll love…
- Homemade Lemon Tahini Dressing
- 5 Ingredient Basil Vinaigrette Dressing
- Healthy Homemade Green Goddess Dressing
- Healthy Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing
- The Easiest Homemade Salad Dressing {Video}
- Creamy & Healthy Thai Peanut Salad Dressing
- Greek Yogurt Chipotle Lime Ranch Dressing
- Healthy & Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing
- Healthy Greek Salad Dressing
- Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Homemade Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 small lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a jar and mix well.
- Store in the fridge, and shake well before using.
Notes
Nutrition
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Cathy says
Is oil to vinegar ratio correct? It most dressing, oil is higher than vinegar amount. Typically it's double and here it's the opposite, the vinegar is double the amount
JulieWunder says
Yes! I made this one with less oil on purpose so it would be healthier and have fewer calories! 🙂 Enjoy!
Jeri says
Just made it for the first time and it will definitely be my got to! Going to look up more of your recipes!
Leslie says
I love a good homemade dressing. This one should be a staple! Very simple and easy to make! LOVE!
Erin says
This looks so yummy! Can't wait to try it on some summer salads. :)) Thank you for sharing!
Erin
kimmythevegan says
So simple and would make any salad dee-licious!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Love to make my own dressing especially in the summer time
Emily @ Pizza @ Pull-ups says
Sounds great! I love lemony things, especially in the summer.
Emily says
Homemade dressing is so good; I love a good Asian dressing or a vinaigrette or Italian dressing. 🙂
Lisa Ballantyne says
Red wine vinaigrette is a favorite of mine! Thank you for sharing this recipe!