Quick Delicious and Easy Vinaigrette

So you've got your salad all made, you go to get your dressing and "oh no" you're all out!  Why are you still buying salad dressing, when in 2 - 3 minutes and for about 30 cents you can have wonderfully freshly made vinaigrette?   I have several different types of salad dressing on my blog, (poppy seed, ranch, Oriental Salad, etc.).  But here's one that I make a lot, and it's so delicious.

 You will need:
white balsamic vinegar
olive oil
salt
pepper
Italian seasoning
onion powder
garlic powder
Dijon mustard (I like to use honey Dijon)

You don't need any fancy containers, just a clean leftover jar will do.  And the great thing about this recipe is you don't need an extra bowl.

First I pour 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar into the jar.  (You can use whatever kind of vinegar you like, but I find the white balsamic vinegar has a much milder taste for this salad dressing).  Sometimes I will switch out and use honey wine vinegar and regular honey mustard, (boy, is that flavor ever good).

Next I add my spices:
1/2 teas salt
1/4 teas pepper
1/2 teas Italian seasoning
1/2 teas onion powder
1/2 teas garlic powder

Now, add 1 teas of Dijon mustard.  (You can use whatever kind of mustard you like, but I find that the honey Dijon mustard has a much more smoother taste for this dressing, and the honey add another layer of flavor.)  The mustard is the emulsifier that will hold everything together.

 Now, add 1/2 cup of olive oil.

 Put the lid on and give it a good shake to mix it all up.

And now you have your vinaigrette ready for the salad.

Give it a little taste, does it need a touch more salt, pepper, vinegar, (bring it to your taste level?).  If so add it.  Depending on your salad and your taste, this is where you can make a few changes.  This dressing will cling nicely to your salad and add such a fresh taste.  I haven't purchased salad dressing in so long, and I have saved a bundle.  Need some ideas?  Look up my other recipes.
Oriental Salad Dressing
Poppy Seed Dressing
Thousand Island Dressing
Ranch Dressing Mix
Creamy Italian Dressing

Remember, you can always mix it up a little differently, (add different spices, add fresh chopped spices when they are in season), and make it your own version.  This is just the base for the good things to come out of your kitchen.  Watch for more of my dressings to be posted.
Enjoy !!