Classic Vinaigrette Dressing with Mustard

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make a classic vinaigrette dressing with mustard? Add the salt, sugar, and mustard to a small bowl. I used a hot brown mustard, but really any kind you like or have on hand will do. Adjust the amount based on how sharp your mustard is — use more of a milder one. You can skip the salt in the dressing and just season the salad to taste in the bowl instead.

2. Step 2:

   

   Add the next ingredient — wine vinegar. It can be either white or red, it makes no difference. Besides wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

3. Step 3:

   

   Next, add the sunflower oil. It's best to use unrefined, aromatic sunflower oil — it's what gives the dressing its rich, nutty sunflower-seed aroma. If you're not a fan of that flavor, refined oil works fine too. The dressing also comes out delicious with olive oil.

4. Step 4:

   

   And the final step — ground hot pepper. I use ground black pepper. Freshly ground is better; it's incomparably more fragrant.

5. Step 5:

   

   Stir the dressing. Note that mustard, vinegar, and oil all have different densities, so the mustard will always sink to the bottom of the bowl under its own weight. That means you won't really be able to mix it into a perfectly smooth dressing. And that's it — the dressing is ready! All that's left is to dress your vinaigrette and serve. Enjoy!